Mr. William Harry Sorrells

September 16, 1922 - August 17, 2017

William “Bill” Sorrells, of Willow Springs, quietly left this life early Thursday morning, August 17, 2017 while at Willow Care Nursing Home due to natural causes. Born to Harvey and Mary (Duncan) Sorrells on September 16, 1922 in Roodhouse, IL; he was 94 years old. Bill grew up and attended the local schools in Roodhouse, IL where he graduated from Roodhouse High School. He then went to work for Granite City Steel as a tool grinder, and then later, he was employed as a hod carrier at an arms factory in Chicago, IL. After returning from the service, he returned to Missouri where he worked for Reed-Harlin Grocery Co. as a wholesale food salesman. He then spent the next 47 years in the food sales business. After Reed-Harlin went out of business, he worked for several years at G & W Foods in Willow Springs until his retirement in January of 1992. On November 8, 1941, he was married to Juanita Johnson in Willow Springs, and to this union two sons were born. Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he fought in one of Europe’s most famous campaigns, “the Battle of the Bulge.” As a result of his bravery and self-sacrifice, he saved the lives of several of his fellow “brothers” and received three Bronze Stars for his heroism. Bill attended Trinity Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon for many years. Upon his retirement, he was named Deacon Emeritus. He had many enjoyments in life, however, he especially loved to read, and he and Juanita enjoyed playing card games with their friends. He was a huge fan of baseball, and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends and all who knew him. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and three sisters. He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Juanita; two sons, William Gary Sorrells and his wife, Carolyn of Monett, MO; and Larry Dale Sorrells and his wife, Ronda of Willow Springs. Further surviving are his grandchildren, William Gary Sorrells, Jr. of Ponce', Puerto Rico; Kelley McCaffrey and her husband, Joe of Monett, MO; and Brendan and Hannah Sorrells of Willow Springs. Also surviving are four great granddaughters, and one great-great granddaughter. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in William’s name to the Willow Springs Public Library and may be left at the funeral home. A visitation for Mr. Sorrells will be held Monday, August 21, 2017 at 1:00 PM with funeral services following at 2:00 PM at Willow Funeral Home with Pastor Greg Dowler officiating. Interment will be held at the Willow Springs City Cemetery with full military honors. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home. On-line condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com