Virgil Gary SORRELL

1930 - 2016

News Death Notice

SORRELL, Virgil Gary "Tub" Passed away at the Woodlands Assisted Living Center on Jan. 7th. He was born in Middletown, Oh. on Aug. 2nd, 1930. He was preceded in death by his parents Walter "Red" and Molly (King) Sorrell; brothers Walter Jr (Anna), Bobby Gene (Millie); sister Betty (Bud) Weiner and his daughter, Gaye Allen (Vince) Borders. He is survived by his beloved wife and friend, Lorna Lee (Blackmore) Sorrell; brother Ross (Charlotte) Sorrell of Florida; sister Janice (Tom) Hill of Cincinnati; sons W. Dennis (Gwyn) and Gardner L. (Angel) of Middletown, Wendell S. (Lynette) of Mississippi; and daughter Grace A. (Gary) McIntosh also of Middletown. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. During his youth, Virgil ran away right after his 16th birthday and joined the Army. Young men lying about their age as was common during WWII. Virgil ended up as a Seaman working on Senator Taft's yacht in the Panama Canal and was eventually assigned to a supply ferry in the canal. In 1948 his true age was determined and he was honorably discharged from service. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal for his service. After returning to Middletown and working for his future father-in-law delivering milk from local farms to a dairy, he eventually went to work at the Middletown Police Dept where he spent 29 years as a police officer. He spent most of his career as a patrol officer with several years assigned to the MPD's traffic unit. He was a graduate of North Western's Crash Investigation School and upon retirement was recognized for his Veteran Service, 25 years Safe Driving Award and Police Heart Award. He spent several years after he retired working parking control in the "downtown" area. He was a master at wielding a stick of chalk through the window of a Cushman scooter. Virgil was an avid traveler and spent as much of his free time, both before and after retirement, traveling as much as possible. Even though he loved the old family homesteads in Kentucky and his cabin on Norris Lake, Tn, nothing seemed more enjoyable to him than the open road. He traveled to 49 States and Capitols during his life. The only one he missed was Hawaii. He was waiting for the bridge to be finished as he did not like to fly! He will be so missed by those who knew him and loved him. He was truly one of a kind and brought smiles, laughter and fond memories to so many wherever he went. A Memorial Service (no viewing or funeral) will be held at Spring Hill Church of Christ, 2021 Brell Dr. Middletown, on Sunday, Jan 24th at 2:00pm. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.