Robert Moody Sorey

Robert Moody Sorey was born on December 20, 1925 in Smith County, MS. He was the son of Robert Franklin Sorey, a cowboy on the LS ranch in Tascosa, Texas. His mother, Mary Warren Sorey was a teacher in the piney woods lumber camps of Mississippi. Robert was reared in the time of the Great Depression. After graduation from Pineville High School, he answered the call to duty in World War II and served on the cruiser USS Pensacola. Shipmates called him “Mississippi.” Robert watched the flag raising on Iwo Jima through the gun-sight of his cannon. He kept the night sky illuminated with star shells so marines could fight through the night. The Pensacola sustained six direct hits killing his commander and six shipmates. Robert recalled cutting canvas to make bags for their burial at sea. He received battle stars for action at Iwo Jima, the Philippine Liberation, and Okinawa.

Upon returning from war, Robert attended Jones County Junior College and graduated from Mississippi Southern. He married Elane Lewis and together they reared five children. He took great pride in the achievement of his children and grandchildren.

Robert was a long time member of Pearson Baptist Church. In 1985, he retired from United Gas Pipeline Company after more than 30 years of service. He was a master woodworker and a maker of dulcimers. As a community leader Robert was a fierce advocate for quality public education in Rankin County. He shook the hands of American veterans from the Civil War to the current conflict in the Middle East.

His words and deeds exemplified his commitment to God, country, and family.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, and by his beloved wife, Elane Lewis Sorey.

He is survived by his five children, Kathy Sorey Casey (Buddy), of Warner Robins, GA, Dwight Sorey (Betty Jo), of Tunica, MS, William Sorey (Marti), of Brandon, MS, Adrian Sorey (Lisa), of Terry, MS; and Laura Sorey Watkins (James), of Gluckstadt, MS; nine grandchildren: Santford Casey (Rena) of Duluth, GA, John Mark Casey (LeAnne) of Florence, MS, Jamie Carpenter (Patrick) of Houston, TX, Courtney Sorey of Philadelphia, MS, Mary Rogers Sorey of Durham, NC, Katie Sorey of Brandon, MS, Laura Sorey of New Orleans, LA, Andrew Sorey of Pearl, MS, and Erin Sorey Barrios (Courtney) of Brandon, MS; two great-grandsons: Riley Casey and Carson Casey of Duluth, GA and sister, Joyce Sorey Dyess, of Pineville, MS.

Robert lived a full life and gave more to the world than he took. He met his Pilot face to face 15 October 2015.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 17, 2015 from 12pm – 1pm at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl followed by funeral services at 1pm in the chapel. Interment will be at Carr United Methodist Church Cemetery, Pineville.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a memorial gift to the Vacation Bible School fund at Pearson Baptist Church, 151 S. Pearson Rd., Pearl, MS 39208