Obituary: Vernon Clifton Sorrell
Vernon Clifton Sorrell, age 85, passed away on February 26, 2026. Born on September 4, 1940, he was the son of Clifton and Liney Franks Sorrell and the youngest of three sons.
Vernon proudly served six years in the National Guard, demonstrating his dedication to his country early in life. He later devoted more than 30 years of his career to DuPont in Kinston, where he was known for his strong work ethic and reliability, retiring in 1998. His hands were never idle, and after retirement, he carried that spirit of hard work by starting an irrigation business in Carteret County with a close friend — a venture that reflected his skill, determination, and love of staying busy. Vernon was also a faithful and proud 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge, a commitment that reflected his values of service, brotherhood, and community.
He was preceded in death by his first wife of 54 years, Shirley Singleton Sorrell; his parents, Clifton and Liney Sorrell; his brother, Robert Sorrell; and sisters-in-law, Hazel Sorrell and Dorothy Sorrell. Vernon is survived by his loving wife, Vickie Wade Sorrell; his daughter, Vicki Sorrell Lemmond (Eric) of Cedar Point, NC; his son, Greg Sorrell (Donna) of Greenville; his grandchildren, Monica Swinn (Mike) of Greenville, Autumn Sorrell of Greenville, and Hunter Sorrell of Greenville; his great-grandchildren, Colton Swinn and Everett Swinn; his brother, James Sorrell of Wilson; his sister-in-law, Ann Kennedy (Ronald) of Pink Hill; and many special nieces and nephews who held a cherished place in his life.
A Celebration of Life will be held at La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church, 802 S. Caswell Street, La Grange, NC, on Friday, March 6th at 6:00 p.m., with Reverend Ronnie Hobgood, Reverend Terry Coates, and Reverend Josh Hobgood officiating. Visitation will immediately follow the service.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Piotr Dumicz and staff — Kathy, Emily, Lexie, and Matt — as well as Dr. Scott Sample, Dr. Nicholas Farina, Dr. Robert Gorman, and the nurses at CarolinaEast Medical Center for their compassionate care. The family is also deeply grateful to the 3HC team — Tammy Jones, Rick, Victoria, Allison, and Tammy — for their dedication to Vernon and their support of the family.
Vernon will be remembered for his steady presence, his willingness to work hard, and the care he showed to those around him. His life was defined by devotion to family, pride in his work, and the strength he carried into everything he did.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Core Sound Decoy Guild, PO Box 89, Harkers Island, NC 28531; La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church, 802 South Caswell Street, La Grange, NC 28551; or Kinston First Free Will Baptist Church, 3297 Falling Creek Road, Kinston, NC 28504.
