Russell W. SoRell

Russell W. SoRell peacefully passed September 16, 2021 at the age of 69.  He was born January 12, 1952 to Cecil and Marjorie SoRell in San Benito, Texas.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Jan Curry SoRell.  Russell was the very proud father of Reagan Wayne SoRell (Page) of Lone Tree, Colorado and JanaBeth Breen SoRell of Houston, Texas. Also left to treasure his memory are his granddaughters, Aubrie Hannah SoRell and Sadie Elizabeth SoRell. They were the sparkles in Russell’s eyes and abundant joy in his life. Russell considered himself a blessed and rich man in love from his children and grandchildren. He loved his entire family and loved family get-togethers.

Russell also leaves his sisters, Cyndy Newport (Darrell) and Victoria Clark (Johnny); and, brother, Thomas SoRell. From Jan’s side of the family, he leaves 11 sisters- and brothers-in-law: Sharon & Doug Hansen, Candy Crouch, Steve & Jill Hollon, Clint and Angie Curry, Craig and Sharon Curry, and Clark Curry; 37 nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and nephews too numerous to count.

Russell was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie SoRell; brother, Boyd SoRell, and brother-in-law, Dr. Gary Crouch.

Great loves in his life were Granddaddy Lynn SoRell and Grandmother Myrtle SoRell.  She was a number one grandmother and a gracious Christian woman.  His mother’s parents, Alton and Deggie Patty, were also of great influence to him.

He gave his heart to Jesus when he was 8 years old at the First Baptist Church of Combes, Texas.

Russell graduated from Rio Hondo High School in 1970.  He then attended Texas A&I University-Kingsville for one year.  He couldn’t stand being away from Jan, so he transferred to Pan American University in Edinburg, Texas.  They married in 1972 and established their first home at the Sun Deck Apartments in Santa Rosa, Texas. It was there they had many good years and made wonderful friendships. Russell and Jan graduated from college in 1974.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and a minor in History.

He went on to teach and coach for the next 8 years.  After that, he went to work for Frito Lay for 20 years and then to Labatt Food Service for almost 15 years. He was always appreciative of Labatt for being the wonderful Christian company that they are. Russell and Jan enjoyed trips, courtesy of Labatt, to places like Banff, Alberta, Canada; Telluride, CO; Boston, MA; New York, NY; Santa Fe, NM; Puerto Rico; and may other wonderful destinations.

Russell had such a great love for people.  He sincerely loved all children, the young girls and boys he was blessed to teach and coach, and the friends he enjoyed being with – too many to list.

He will be dearly missed by his “Dinner Club” friends; the precious “Saints” from his Calvary Baptist Church Sunday School class; his breakfast eating buddies; his loving family (there are a bunch of them); Lolly Burns (in her exercise outfit); his golfing friends Doug Hansen, and Clint Curry.  Reagan, Page, and JanaBeth will miss their conversations with him, as will the joys of his life, Aubrie and Sadie, and their extended Facetime sessions. Russell loved playing golf, and he will be missed dearly on the course by Reagan.

Among Russell’s greatest characteristics were his love for God and thankfulness for his salvation; his memory as strong as a locomotive; his knowledge of the Bible; his intelligence; his constant and sincere love for his family, his dear friends and for all humankind; his love, faithfulness and support of Jan and his love and adoration for his children and precious Aubrie and Sadie. He will surely be able to watch the girls in all they do from Heaven. That’s what he longed for – to always be with his little girls and his children, Reagan and JanaBeth, of whom he was most proud.

The family wishes to thank Jessica, Iris, and Frank Muñoz from Harbor Hospice.  A special thank you to Dr. Jesse Rodriguez, for his precious and dear care of Russell and to the physicians and staff of Valley Baptist – Family Practice Residency Clinic who were so kind, gracious, and supportive of Russell during his courageous battle.  Thank you to the Transplant Team of Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center and his cardiologist, Dr. Escobar, and surgeon Dr. Livesey.

Russ always said that he and Jan made a good team.  He thought they were equally yoked for a great love story and life. “My yoke is lopsided now.  I will continue to do God’s work here on Earth until the time we will be together again.” (Jan SoRell)

The SoRell family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home.  Family and friends will gather to celebrate Russell’s life and God’s faithfulness on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 1815 N 7th St, Harlingen, Texas. (The memorial service will live-streamed via Calvary Baptist Church - Harlingen, TX Facebook Live for anyone not able to attend.)

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Chance Crouch, Lance Crouch, Dillon Crouch, Ty Crouch, Chase Curry, Richard Mancha, and Manny Martinez.  Honorary pallbearers are Kevin Lovell, Rick Guerrero Scott Davis, Durrell SoRell, Tom Coyle, W.R. Snavely, Tip Johnson, Greg Gibson, Ricky Burns, Keith Burns, Dickie Roberts, Craig Curry, Clark Curry, Clint Curry, John Clark, Darrell Newport, Tom SoRell, Doug Hansen, and posthumously, Dr. Gary Crouch, Wes Lepard, and Jon Purvis.

The family welcomes floral tributes as well as memorial donations in Russell’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org), Calvary Christian School (www.calvarywarriors.org), or Young Lives (https://younglives.younglife.org).