Steven D. Sorrells entered his eternal home on February 16, 2024, at the age of 73. To honor Steve's memory, his family is holding a celebration of life on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Arcadia.  Visitation will be held at 10:00am with the service at 11:00am, and graveside service to follow at Joshua Creek Cemetery.  We invite anyone who knew Steve to attend and remember his impactful life.

Steve was born on May 3, 1950 in Arcadia, FL to Robert and Opal Sorrells.  He was born and raised in Arcadia, spending his youth working in the family groves and packinghouse.  He learned the citrus industry and the work ethic that would soon become the bedrock of his success. He graduated from Desoto County High School in 1968 and then attended Georgia Tech University where he graduated in 1972.  After graduation from college, he enlisted in the Florida National Guard and served for four years.

Steve then moved home to join the family business.  Through the 1970s, the company added additional acreage and started Sorrells Grove Care, Inc. to serve smaller growers.  He has grown the business to include a caretaking company, a harvesting business, and a cattle operation with over 2,000 cows.  He was the first grower to navigate the federal government's morass of rules surrounding visas for labor workers.  Early on, he recognized the need to modernize his labor force by utilizing the U.S. Department of Labor's H-2A visa program. Because of his trailblazing use of the H-2A program – and his willingness to share what he learned by trial and error –  it is now the industry standard.

He has served on numerous industry boards and organizations and was the first person to serve two separate terms as president of Florida Citrus Mutual.  During his 28-year tenure as a board member, Sorrells served as President, Vice President, Secretary, and on the Executive Committee.  An innovator in production, Steve served as chairman of the original Florida Citrus Production Research Advisory Council (FCPRAC) and has embraced new technology and practices in rehabilitating groves that has become industry standards. He was inducted into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame in 2021.

Steve is survived by his wife Betsy of 45 years, his three children, Kristie (Kevin) Joens, Justin (Jordian) Sorrells, and Adam (Summer) Sorrells.  He was Granddaddy to his six grandchildren Will and Meagan Joens, Emma and Lily Sorrells, and Daniela and Carson Vargas. He is also survived by his sister LeDane (Craig) Soria.  He has been a lifelong member First Baptist Church of Arcadia where he has faithfully served as Treasurer since 1987.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to First Baptist Church of Arcadia.  1006 N. Brevard Ave. Arcadia FL 34266.

Online condolences can be made at www.pongerkaysgrady.com

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes & Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arrangements.