Charles David Sorrels' Obituary
Charles “Charlie, Cowboy” David Sorrels, 92, was born June 18, 1933 and passed away peacefully in his sleep January 8, 2026. A lifelong native of Dallas, raised in Oak Cliff, Charlie played high school football graduating from Crozier Tech in 51’. Including last year, he attended their annual class reunions, winning golf tournaments, enjoying fancy dinners, as well as continuing to stay in touch with his fellow classmates. After graduation, Charlie went to SMU for a couple of years but ultimately decided to follow in his dad’s footsteps working for Southwestern Bell. As did most young men, he soon enlisted in the Korean War and opted to stay in the reserves until 61’. During the war, Charlie completed Army Helicopter School and was a dedicated army airplane mechanic. After being honorably discharged he continued his employment with Bell then moved into management with the AT&T transition. After retiring from AT&T in 85’, Charlie found a niche with EDS recording and producing ‘educational project videos’ for several of their locations in the U.S. He loved the travel and the places it took him. Doral, Pinehurst, Pebble Beach you see the pattern. Seven years later he decided his fun time with EDS was done and he retired again. Enhancing that skill he turned his video expertise into his own lil side gig ‘Solo Video’ which also added more sweetness to that retirement pot.
Charlie was active in his early years refereeing high school football in the Dallas area, shaping his life around physical activity. Early on he had a gym membership & continued to stay in shape for decades. Establishing himself in the Plano area, he was extremely involved with their senior group sharing many dinners, trips, oh dominos, and yes, bowling in addition to their annual New Year’s Eve celebration to Lofton NV which he never missed. He loved gambling, initiating all kinds of football pots & especially going to the racetrack most every Father’s Day. Retirement, without a doubt, also had to include marshaling at his ‘chosen’ golf courses close to him. You can’t beat that free golf. Too, Charlie volunteered with the AT&T Pioneers dedicating time delivering dictionaries to young school children. That was definitely a ‘feel good’ moment for him. As his family joined, Charlie was a member of the Sons of Hermann Hall for over 50 years; his passion never left. He was in the clan of the elite oldies. Being instrumental in starting their golf association, he also bowled in their bowling leagues even initially setting up some of the bi-laws. He also volunteered for a time, as well continuing to hold close their eternal friendship, love & loyalty. He so loved his times at the Hall!
Retirement was definitely good to Charlie. Marrying Carolyn Welch in 97’, they began mingling with his lifelong friends, Rose & Charlie, Jo & Jack down at the SOH hall. Sometimes that included his favorite golfing buddy, Jamie Nicodemus. Even thru his dementia he fondly remembered those Myrtle Beach days, those courses and the infamous plate displaying his eagle at The Legends on Hell’s 1/2 Acre!
Charlie’s lifelong passion was always his deep love for golf.
Yet as newlyweds do, in 98’ the retired couple dashed off to The Island of Lago Vista on Lake Travis. Never meeting a stranger, Charlie & Carolyn’s life, living in the villa, was full of karaoke, boating, great times & new friends. Enjoying the time and loving the area, Charlie became involved in First Tee, incorporating youth life skills with golf and of course marshaling continued to be a necessity. Unfortunately management changed at the island leaving them to return to the Garland area in 06’. Family was closer now so visits were more convenient. We always had a great time watching football, especially his Chiefs and understandably he was always a ref’s worse critic. Still keeping active, Charlie often rode the train to the VA continuing to work out. He loved water aerobics, oops no, aquatic therapy as he would say. On those visits he’d often comb the halls chatting with his regulars he had met. He was definitely a proud veteran!
Then in 23’, Charlie & Carolyn finally downsized moving to The Landon at the Lakes. A senior retirement center where they easily made friends living their best life.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents Charles Herman & Annie Lee Daft Sorrels. Carolyn, his beloved wife, recently passed on April 8th. To continue to cherish his memory are his daughter Christy Drake, son Lance Sorrels, wife BJ, step daughters Kim, husband Dr. Dale Greer & Sharon, husband Scott White with many step grandkids & step great grandkids he was very fond of.
With the timing of their deaths, we planned a double funeral service for Charlie & Carolyn.
After the service, the family welcomes you to attend a reception in the main building until we depart to their final resting place. We encourage you to follow us to DFW National Cemetery where there will be an Honors Ceremony recognizing Charlie’s military service.
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