Robert Sorrells

Dr. Robert Barry Sorrells, 80, passed away September 24, 2016 due to multiple health complications. He was born April 11, 1936, to the late V.F. "Bob" and Pauline Sorrells. Barry was predeceased by his oldest son, R. Barry Sorrells, Jr. An only child, Barry is survived by his devoted wife of 31 years, Lynda Sorrells; his daughter Caroline Sorrells McGill; his son Kent Sorrells (Missy); his son Kevin Hunkapillar (Liz); his daughter Amy O'Dell (Charlie); his daughter Stacey Trowell (John); and eight beloved grandchildren: Lauren, Logan, Morgan, Benjamin, Daniel, Graci, Tate and Rensley.
Barry graduated from Little Rock High School in 1954. He attended Vanderbilt University and went on to obtain his medical degree from UAMS. He eventually built his career so that he became one of the leading orthopedic surgeons in the nation and was instrumental in the research and development of what is now known as the LCS rotating platform total knee replacement. He was a distinguished speaker who was sought after for his wisdom and expertise all over the world, providing guidance and instruction to leading physicians on six continents. Barry was beloved by his patients and blessed family members and friends as a mentor and encourager.
Barry's life was full of adventure from a young age, and he instilled that passion in all who knew and cared about him. His family and friends were usually participants in these adventures at his urging, ranging from snow skiing to flying, hiking to farming, boating to RV'ing, and years of global travel. He was a multi-engine rated pilot, a heli-skier, a cattle farmer, a certificated FBI Civilian Academy School graduate, and a Medical Liaison to the United States Air Force in Jacksonville, Arkansas.
Barry's greatest joy and fulfillment was his relationship with Christ. He utilized this passionate relationship for the benefit of thousands through his work on medical missions in Central America. He was instrumental in establishing Community of Grace free medical clinic in midtown Little Rock. Barry was a driving force behind Life Skills Institute at UAMS, which helped medical students integrate ethics and business into the practice of medicine. He also led countless trips to Honduras to perform joint replacement surgeries and to teach local physicians the mastery of this skill through his early involvement with Operation New Life.
Barry and his family are grateful to his attending physicians who knew him and respected him for more than just being their patient. He had wonderful caregivers in his final days who cared for him with grace and compassion.
A service honoring his life will be held on Thursday, September 29, at 11am at Fellowship Bible Church, 1401 Kirk Road in Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to honor Barry's legacy make a donation to Operation New Life, P.O. Box 164660, Little Rock, AR 72216, Our House, 302 E. Roosevelt Road, Little Rock, AR 72206, or Arkansas Hospice, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, AR 72116. Online guestbook at www.SmithFamilyCares.com .