Stephen "Steve" Russell Sorrells

Stephen “Steve” Russell Sorrells, 71, of Evington, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026, in the comfort of his home. He peacefully closed his eyes and awoke in heaven.

Steve was born on May 5, 1955, in Lynchburg, Virginia. He was the son of the late Raymond Earl Sorrells Jr. and the late Mary Jane Mays Mattox. He was the son-in-law of the late Vernon and Marie White and the late Joe and Shelby Ponton, whom he considered his parents as well. He graduated from E.C. Glass High School and then pursued a career in sales with IPC, Sharp and Virginia Business Systems.

Steve was a hard worker throughout his entire life, often holding down several jobs to provide for his family. When he found his passion in sales, he became extremely successful despite his humble beginnings. Steve was fulfilled when he found a way to earn a living by building relationships, which was his strongest skill. Some of his closest friendships were established while building his career. He recently retired in May after working for 55 years.

Steve was a lifetime member of Grace Baptist Church, where he accepted Christ as his Savior as a teenager. He then built his faith into his life, passing it on to his children as a lifeline they cannot live without. He enjoyed shopping for good deals, a Texas Inn Cheesy Western with double relish, having lunch with friends, collecting coins, going to the movies, watching the stock market, sitting on his porch looking at the mountains—especially during a rainstorm.

But his biggest interest was planning the family’s next gathering or trip, attending every special event or game his grandchildren were involved in, and running any errand or doing anything for his three daughters and their husbands.

Steve’s greatest accomplishment and deepest pride was his family. He poured his entire heart into the people he loved and gave selflessly to them in every way. His family brought him immeasurable joy, and he found his greatest happiness in simply being present for the moments that mattered most. Steve was generous, loving, kind, and always ready to help—often being the one who came to the rescue whenever someone needed him. His love was evident not only through his words but through his actions, his time, and his unwavering devotion. His family will miss his earthly presence more than words can express and will forever cherish the love and memories he gave so freely. If Steve could leave one final message behind, he would want you to know that you meant the world to him.

Steve is survived by his three daughters and son in laws, whom he adored endlessly: Tonya Sorrells Pafford and her husband, Tim; Megan Sorrells Ramsey and her husband, Chris; and Mackenzie Sorrells Quilodran and her husband, Cary. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Emory Rose Hildebrand and her husband, Seth; Avery Megan Pafford; Hadley Sloan Pafford; Hayes Christopher Ramsey; Collins Marie Ramsey; Cash Matthew Quilodran; Coast Kingston Quilodran; and baby boy Quilodran, due in August.

Steve is also survived by a special cousin whom he considered his brother, Raymond Campbell; Bonnie Sorrells and Melanie White, who are the mothers of his children and whom he loved, respected, and enjoyed a wonderful family life with; his sister, Rhodna Mattox; numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Along with many special friends and extended family, Steve rarely met anyone that he didn’t invest in, love, and consider family.

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his son, Matthew Bryant Peery; his paternal and maternal grandparents; and several uncles, aunts, and cousins.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Virginia Memorial Park with Pastor Dan Lovern, Sr. and Matt Hildebrand speaking. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 3:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.