Tyrone Sorrells

Alfred “Tyrone” Sorrells, 55, transitioned to his final destination on August 16, 2018. While his passing was unexpected, it was God’s master plan to fill a vacancy in heaven with Tyrone. During his time on earth, he made an indelible imprint on those he touched. A man of large stature, Tyrone was also known for his huge smile and big heart. Seldom did he meet a person that did not recall the interaction. What you saw is what you got. It was that unassuming spirit and down-to-earth demeanor that made him endearing. Tyrone was born to the late Sallie Jim Sorrells on May 11, 1961, in Buford, Georgia. He is the maternal grandson of the late Columbus (Lumberry) and Lillie Mae Sorrells. He submitted his life to Christ at an early age, joining the Allen Temple AME church. Tyrone spent his childhood in Buford where he attended Buford City Schools and was well known for his athletic prowess. As a three sport standout at Buford High School, he earned 10 letters and numerous awards in football, basketball and track over the course of his athletic career. Tyrone was named the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Athlete of the Year in 1982 and earned First Team Parade All-American honors in football. He was also a member of the Atlanta Naismith Tip-Off Club Team of the Year and led the Buford High track team to the State Championship in his senior year. Tyrone was presented opportunities to play at the collegiate level in both football and basketball. He ultimately attended both the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech on football scholarships. He also earned a spot in the 1987 NFL draft. Tyrone was inducted into the Buford Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006. Following his athletic career, Tyrone found his niche in the transportation and logistics industry which propelled him to manage his own business as an independent operator/contractor. Notwithstanding Tyrone’s accomplishments on and off the field, his ultimate legacy is his family. Tyrone was married to his college sweet-heart, Tonya Byrd for 25 years. They created a loving home in Kennesaw, Georgia and raised two children together. Tyrone later joined Turner Chapel AME church of Marietta, Georgia, where he and his family fellowshipped until his passing. Beyond his family life, Tyrone’s favorite pastimes over the years included coaching youth sports, fishing with friends, and cooking - - -often surprising family and friends with his culinary creations. He still had a penchant for the Buford Wolves and was regularly in the stands cheering for the hometown team. Tyrone leaves to cherish his memories his wife Tonya Byrd-Sorrells; daughter Bria Sorrells; and son Jalen Sorrells all of Kennesaw, Georgia. He is also survived by two sisters, Karen Sorrells and Yvonne Sorrells of Buford, Georgia and two brothers, Wesley Sorrells (Ellen) of Macbain, North Carolina, and Addie Nobahar of Roswell, Georgia. He also leaves several loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. He was proceeded in death by his mother, Sallie Jim Sorrells and three sisters, Lois Daniels, Nina Nuckles and Sandra Sorrells. Tyrone will be greatly missed by those he loved and those who loved him. Celebration of life will be held Friday, August 24, 2018 at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Buford, 4550 Hamilton Mill Rd, Buford, GA 30518. Visitation will be held Thursday, August 23, 2018 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Services Entrusted to Gregory B. Levett and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. Our Lawerenceville Chapel located at 914 Scenic Highway Lawrenceville GA 30045. Interment: Hillcrest Cemetery Buford, GA

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Tyrone Sorrells

May 11, 1963 - August 16, 2018