10/30/1929 – 4/20/2024

Conky Sorrell was born in Hampton, Va, to James G. and Lena Sorrell. The youngest of six children, he was raised on Shell Road in Olde Wythe. Conky graduated from Hampton High school in 1947, where he lettered in many sports, but baseball was his legacy. Conky continued his education at the Newport News Apprentice School, graduating as a Hull Draftsman in 1952. Conky mentored many young people over his years at Newport News Shipbuilding until his retirement in 1990 as a General Foreman.

On August 25th, 1951, Conky married his "Bloss," Alice Carpenter, a cute gal from Phoebus. They celebrated 72 years of marriage last summer. Conky is survived by Alice, daughters Denise Scheett (John) and Ellen Sorrell; Grandchildren Kimberly Folker (Mike), Scott Sorrell (Leann), Joshua Sorrell, and Dani Tatum, Great-grandchildren David Sorrell, Kaleb Folker, Jonathan Sorrell, Makenzy Folker, and Matthew Sorrell. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his fur baby Sandy. Conky never met a stranger and loved to meet new people he could try his old jokes on.

Pop was predeceased by his son David, who passed away in 2004. It is a great comfort to his family that the two are once again side by side, telling elaborate stories and silly jokes with those big sheepish grins across their faces. He was also predeceased by siblings Jenalee, Ruth, Rene, Gilly, and Cat.

In March of 1979, Conky became a Friend of Bill and he recently celebrated his 45th birthday as a sober man. He is a local legend in the AA community on the Peninsula. He has sponsored many and been a steadfast part of his Buckroe New Hope home group.

Conky had many achievements and hobbies over his long life. He grew the best tomatoes in town and shared them with anyone who crossed his path. He went on the hunt for pecans and walnuts every fall so he could sit on his couch and "crack his nuts." He could carve a turkey and ham like a pro. He accumulated seven aces on the golf course. He was a long-time member of the Hampton Golf Association, and Hampton Senior Golf Association. He was past President of the Progressive Club of Newport News Shipbuilding, a 62-year Masonic Veteran of Monitor Lodge #197, served on the Vestry at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, and was involved with the Apprentice Alumni Association.

Conky began playing baseball at a very young age.  He was an outstanding southpaw pitcher, coach, umpire, and manager. One of the highlights of his time on the field was in 1958. Conky was the manager of the Hampton Royals, and they made it to Wichita, KS, for the semi-pro World Series, where his team placed 7th in the nation. On this trip, several people mistook him for baseball legend Whitey Ford which he got a big kick out of and played along. Conky loved to share his knowledge of the game with anyone and helped many players develop their skills on the field and at bat. Several family vacations were spent in Baltimore to watch the O's and the Yank's. In 2022, the Peninsula Sports Club honored him as Sports Person Emeritus at their Headliners Night event. This coming October he is being inducted to the Apprentice Athletics 6th Hall of Fame Class.

Conky loved a good joke, pulling pranks, and telling stories. His outgoing personality made him a very popular guy. His wisdom was shared, his advice was solid, and he was the most honest man many have ever had the pleasure of meeting. As he would say to all with a twinkle in his eyes: "Glad You Got To See Me! "

Conky's life will be celebrated on Saturday, April 27, at 11:00 a.m. at Ivy Memorial Baptist/Freedom Life Church in Hampton. Masonic Rites will be held during the service. Dress will be casual, so feel free to wear your favorite sports team jersey or golf attire. The service may be watched online at flconline.org by clicking HERE.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributing to a memorial fund that will provide AA literature and Big Books to newcomers in Conky's name. Checks should be made to Cynthia Teagle, 4 White Oak Trail, Hampton VA 23669.

Arrangements are in the care of R. Hayden Smith (rhaydensmith.com).