Buzz Sorter

Raymond "Buzz" Sorter, longtime resident of Terrell passed away peacefully into the presence of his Savior on Feb. 9, 2024 at his home with precious family at his side. The oldest of seven children, Buzz was born Aug. 5, 1943 in Des Moines, IA to Raymond and Betty (Blacksmith) Sorter, who both preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death are sister Diana Sorter Paris of Des Moines, IA; sister Deborah Sorter Prymek of Des Moines, IA; and brother Robert "Bob" Sorter of Bandera, TX; and sister-in-law Jane Shields of Terrell, TX. Buzz moved to Texas in 1959. On Feb. 17, 1967, he married his soulmate and the love of his life, Carolyn. Together they raised two daughters with a foundation of love, faith and good memories. Buzz worked tirelessly for his family and was the owner of his own repair facility, Buzz's Transmission Shop, where his honesty and integrity were blessings for his customers and the community for over 30 years. In 2002, he sold his business and became semi-retired, but continued to work diligently for his family, friends, and the community for the remainder of his life. He was everyone's "go-to" guy and Mr. Fix-It. From a broken toy to a broken life, he either had the right tools or the right words to make things better and bring things into perspective. He was a rock for his family. Buzz was a faithful and long-time member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, where he and Carolyn were both very active. Never one to be idle, Buzz was also involved in Gideons International, as well as Texas Baptist Men, where his devotion to Jesus was evident in all his work. His devotion to the Lord and his family was his ultimate accomplishment while on this side of Heaven. Reverently called Daddy by his daughters and Granddaddy by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he valued family above all else. He was the very best father to his daughters and a fun and fun-loving Granddaddy to the blessings he called his grandchildren. A no-nonsense man with a spirit of generosity and love that spoke volumes, Buzz will be greatly missed by all who knew him and forever treasured by those who loved him. He was one of the hardest working, most loving, loyal, kind and giving men that most have ever known. He was always there to offer help to whomever needed it and never expected anything in return, only that the favor be paid forward. Buzz leaves his memory to be cherished and carried on by his beloved wife, Carolyn Sorter; his daughters Lori Sorter Walsh and husband Greg of Sulphur, LA; Lisa Sorter Melone and husband David of Broken Arrow, OK; grandchildren Jessica Young of Indianapolis, IN; Jordan Yandell of Sulphur, LA; Bethany Yandell of Sulphur, LA; Lexi Scott of Terrell, TX; Delaney Johnson of Broken Arrow, OK; nine precious great-grandchildren; brother Gene Sorter of Winnfield, LA; brother Rodney Sorter of Des Moines, IA; sister Tammy Bullington of Des Moines, IA; niece Michele Shields Rand (Richard); nephews Jeff Shields (Melanie), Craig Shields, and David Shields (Dorthea); and a host of other nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, and friends. Funeral service will be held at 7:00pm, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with his family receiving friends beginning at 6:00pm to service time. For those wishing, memorials may be made to three organizations close to Buzz's heart: Gideon's International at https://www.gideons.org/ Texas Baptist Men at https://www.tbmtx.org/ Emmanuel Baptist Church at https://ebcterrell.org/

Tributes

Buzz Sorter

February 9, 2024