Richard D. Sorrells

ROYAL — Richard D. Sorrells, age 77, of Royal, went to be with the Lord on the evening of Friday, April 3, 2020.

He was born on Dec. 1, 1942, in Royal, the son of Floyd Elmer Sorrells and Ruby Houser Sorrells. On June 20, 1965, he married Julia Graves. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Klugh Sorrells.

He was a member of Hot Springs Baptist Church, where he has served as a Sunday school teacher and a Deacon Emeritus. Richard had a master’s degree in agriculture from the University of Arkansas and a master’s of divinity from Tennessee Temple, Chattanooga, Tenn. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and wonderful teacher to all those who were blessed to have known him. He and his brother Tom were a part of the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year in 2016.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Julia Sorrells, of Royal; one son and daughter-in-law, Jared and Heather Sorrells, of Rogers; one daughter and sonin-law, Andrea and Thomas Wicker, of Royal; four grandchildren, Lauren Wicker Wilson and her husband, Chevy, Carson Wicker and his wife, Deonna, all of Royal, and Isla Sorrells and Asher Sorrells, both of Rogers; four great-grandchildren, Allison Wilson, Jessi Wilson, Nathaniel Wicker and Octavia Wicker; one brother and sisterin-law, Tom and Joy, Sorrells of Royal; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.

Private graveside services were held at 11 a.m Sunday in the McDowell Cemetery, Royal, with Chaplain John Goodman, Retired USAF, officiating.

Arrangements were under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs.

Guest registry is at http:// www.davis-smith.com.