Joseph Edwin Sorrells, 81, of Lexington, Virginia, died Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at Stonewall Jackson Hospital.

Born September 13, 1930 in Rockbridge County, he was a son of the late Paul Wilson Sorrells and Irma Carter Sorrells.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Junior Sorrells, John Henry Sorrells, Tom Sorrells, and Ray Sorrells.

Ed retired from Burlington Industries after forty years of service and was a member of Bible Church at Rockbridge, VFW Post 1499, and the Lexington Moose Lodge.

Surviving are his wife of fifty eight years, Ethel Knick Sorrells of Lexington; one sister, Estelle Plott Higgins; several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m. Friday, March 2, 2012 at Harrison Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. George Warden officiating. Burial will follow at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 1, 2012 at Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, VA.