Neil Sorrells

Herschell Neil Sorrells Jr passed away on Friday, January 24th, just before midnight of natural causes at Bethany on University, in Fargo, North Dakota. He died in peace surrounded by family members.

Neil was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 2, 1939, the son of Eleanor & Herschell Sorrells, Sr. He met his future wife, Margaret Anne Tinsley, in Arcadia, Florida, while he was working for his dad at Sorrells Brothers Packing Company. After the birth of his first three children, Trey, Troy, and Scot, he followed the grocery business up North, eventually settling in Minot, ND, to be the owner and operator of North Hill Foods. At the store he provided jobs for his children, college students of Minot State University, members of his church - the Christian and Missionary Alliance, and retired military coming out of Minot Air Force Base. He produced, wrote, directed, and starred in his own television and radio commercials promoting the store, and pioneered many of the features of the modern supermarket.

Later, he fathered two more children, Shannon and Jerry, and raised them in Alexander, ND, where he ran the Ragged Butte Country Market. While there, he supported local community events like Old Settler’s Day, coached middle school basketball, and served as a Gideon. He was a beloved father, teaching his children right from wrong, how to run a business, and how to play winning poker. He was a Christian like his father before him and bequeathed that legacy to his children and grandchildren – a blessing that will follow the family for generations.

Neil is survived by his wife, Margaret Anne; his children, Troy (Penny), Scot, Shannon (Lyndon), and Jerry (Brianna); and his grandchildren: Brice, Mark, Cameron, Patrick, Rachel, Jett, Brayden, and Indy.

He is preceded in death by his oldest son, Herschell Neil Sorrells III, whom we call Trey.

Funeral: 2 pm Monday, January 27, 2020 in Valley Christian Church, Moorhead, MN, with Visitation held at the church one hour prior to his service.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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