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 December 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 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 Masters 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, and Carson Wicker and his wife, Deonna, all of Royal, Isla Sorrells and Asher Sorrells, both of Rogers; four great-grandchildren, Allison Wilson, Jessi Wilson, Nathaniel Wicker and Octavia Wicker; one brother and sister-in-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 www.davis-smith.com.