James Billy Sorrells, age 82 passed away Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at his home. He was the son of the late Pete and Mary Williams Sorrells of Sylva. In addition to his parents, Mr. Sorrells is preceded in death by one sister, Ila Mae and husband Leo Franks and by the death of his first wife in 1986, Cleta Allison Sorrells. He served 4 years in the US Air Force, serving in Japan and Korea. He retired from the Federal Aviation Administration after 35 years of service. He is a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Mars Hill and a member of VFW Post#5483 Mars Hill.

Mr. Sorrells is survived by his wife, Virginia Turbyfill Ward Sorrells of the home. Two sons, Jimmy Sorrells and wife Anne of Mars Hill, Randy Sorrells and Loretta of Arden; five grandsons, Christopher, Ethan, Dalton, Noah and Jamie Sorrells; one granddaughter, Kate Sorrells; niece, Kay Franks of Sylva; one brother, Bobby Sorrells of Sylva. Mr. Sorrells is also survived by his step-mother Alberta Sorrells; stepdaughter, Melanie Ballard and husband Bruce of Asheville; stepson, Steve Ward and wife Debra of Asheville; step grandchildren, Rachel Metcalf and husband Michael, Kyle and Leann Ward Demetria Henderson and husband John and Heath Ballard; step great grandsons Kort and Marshall Metcalfe.

A memorial service will be held 3:00PM Friday, March 9, 2018 at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service. Officiated by Reverend Glenn Graves. The family will receive friends 2:00 -3:00PM in the chapel prior to the service.

A funeral service will be held 2:00PM Saturday, March 10, 2018 at Zion Hill Baptist Church, Pumpkintown Rd, Sylva. Officiated by Reverend Eddie Stillwell. A private burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends 1:00 – 2:00 prior to the service at Zion Hill Baptist Church, Pumpkintown Rd., Sylva.

In lieu of flowers a gift may be made to: Care Partners Hospice Foundation, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org