Jan. 9, 1938 – March 13, 2014
James “Buddy” Sorrell, better known as “Buddy the Barber,” 76, of Sweet Home died March 13, 2014 due to complications following a fall and brain surgery in August of 2013.
He was born Jan. 9, 1938 in Warren, Ark. to John and Fay Sorrell.
He lived most of his early years in Wright City, Okla. before moving to Oregon in 1959. Mr. Sorrell married the love of his life, Melba Jackson, on April 11, 1959.
He ran his own barber shop for 42 years before retiring about two years ago. He loved going to work every day and he never met a stranger. Even after retirement Mr. Sorrell would still check in on his old shop nearly every day, so you could say he never fully retired.
He had a love for the outdoors. Every hunting season you could find him along with family and friends at Silver Lake and once a summer he headed for the Snake River. The Sorrells, along with several lifelong friends, also loved riding motorcycles; every summer for 17 years they would take a trip to Reno, Nev. on their motorcycles. He loved traveling.
Mr. Sorrell traveled all over the United States. With fifth wheel in tow, he and Mrs. Sorrell would be off for winters in Arizona and Mexico.
He lived his life to the fullest every day. He will be remembered for his warm personality, his endless supply of funny stories and always having a joke to tell.
Mr. Sorrell is survived by his wife Melba of 54 years; son Ronald; one grandson; and a host of friends and relatives in Sweet Home, Wright City, and in Haworth, Okla.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Fay; three sisters, Joyce Fields, Peggy Rowe and Ailene Skeens; and a half brother Othalee Sorrell.
A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements