DR. ADRIAN LLOYD SORRELL
March 3, 1955 ~ June 2, 2020
Dr. Adrian Lloyd Sorrell was born in Hondo, Texas to Helen Chandler and Curtis Marshal Williams, Senior. That small town and the early teachings of his grandfather Lloyd “Daddy” Sorrell and Ruby “Mama” Sorrell proved to be the cornerstone of his character: humble, generous, hardworking and, above all, kind.
A lover of music, Adrian started his illustrious band career in middle school and his life’s path was solidified when he caught glimpses of the University of Texas marching band performing on TV: he wanted to be in the Longhorn Marching Band. As he grew up among family and a broad array of friends in Hondo, he made a significant impression on his high school band director Mr. Harold, who would later take him to the University of Texas Longhorn Band audition. Band was Adrian’s ticket into college and into the “Showband of the Southwest” that he would be part of for the rest of his life.
His first job after college was as a special education teacher at Williams Elementary School in Austin. He enjoyed teaching young children in the classroom for 15 years, eventually earning a doctorate in special education (1993) from the University of Texas. He went on to become a professor and instructed aspiring special education teachers at Prairie View University, an Historically Black College/University, where he was awarded tenure. In 2001, he started at Region 4 Educational Service Center and for the next nine years he continued to train teachers, a job he loved.
As his career advanced, his home life was blessed as well. He married his first wife, Alva, in 1984 and they soon welcomed their daughter Andrea “Andi” Sorrell and moved from Austin to Cypress, Texas, a suburb of Houston. Alva’s untimely death in 2000 was hard for both father and daughter, but they had each other to pull them through the sad times as they persevered.
In 1999, Adrian was awarded a post-doctoral fellowship at the Center of Minority Research in Special Education, University of Virginia. Araminta Coleman was also awarded a fellowship with COMRISE at UVA but as a doctoral student. They were encouraged to spend time together by a mutual friend while at a conference in Vancouver, Canada in April of 2000. Adrian referred to the introduction as a “miracle in Vancouver.” He and Araminta started a long-distance relationship. In 2001, Dr. Adrian Sorrell married Dr. Araminta Coleman. She moved to Texas and adopted the state as her home.
Their life was a full one and filled with new experiences. “Happy wife, happy life” was Adrian’s motto. Adrian realized that he loved to travel. With Andi and grandchildren often in tow, the couple traveled throughout the U.S. from Los Angeles to Cleveland, to New Orleans to Cozumel, Mexico and everywhere in between. Their two biggest trip by far were in 2010 when they went back to Vancouver to relive the beginning of their life together. And when the couple went to London in 2015 with the Longhorn Alumni Band to perform at a once-in-a-lifetime event, The New Year’s Day Parade. Big Ben got to know Big Adrian!
Adrian and Araminta moved to San Antonio in 2010, when he started his next career as an associate professor at Texas A&M San Antonio. He worked at the University until he became unable to continue.
Adrian loved all University of Texas teams and the Dallas Cowboys (of course!), Marvel comics/movies and sci-fi. He had every gadget known to man and was a fan of the Big Rib Platter at County Line restaurant.
His fight with pancreatic cancer lasted two years, and he valiantly did his best to combat the disease until the very end.
He is deeply missed by family and friends far-and-wide. A special person with a gentle soul, there will be no other like him and the world is a darker place without his enduring spirit.
Adrian is survived by his parents Helen Chandler and Curtis Marshall Williams, Sr., his devoted wife Araminta, daughter Andi, step-daughter TeAnne Coleman Chennault, son-in-law Scott Chennault, grandchildren Coleman, Adia and Soleil as well as siblings Myra Webb, Curtis Marshal Williams, Jr., Andrea Denise Hardy, Melissa Faye Blakes, Marcia Renee Bijou, Kelii Marie Williams and Brian Williams.
AT THE REQUEST OF THE FAMILY, THE VIEWING AND THE FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE PRIVATE.
Services
Funeral Service: June 8, 2020 2:00 pm - August 26, 2025 2:32 pm
F.E. Lewis Memorial ChapelView current weather.
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I have known Adrian since elementary school. We were in the Hondo High School band together and both played bass clarinet. It was a great day for the whole band when Adrian was elected as our drum major our senior year. He lead the band to another sweepstakes. He was a great person then and as an adult. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace dear friend.
My stepfather, Dr. Adrian Sorrell, was a lovely man. He valued his family deeply and was someone you could trust and rely on. He taught us many things, but his most valuable lessons were to be true to ourselves, be of help when called on and to listen to Tower of Power daily, if possible :). I’ll miss him as a father figure and my children will miss their grandfather, but we will keep his warm spirit with us always. Rest in peace.Â
I always enjoyed reading Adrians’ posts to the LHAB site. They always made me smile and laugh. I’ll always be grateful for him. Hook ‘EM
My condolences are extended to the family of Dr. Adrian Sorrell. No words can express the sorrow that is felt for the loss of this great man, who has done much for the community through his teaching and leadership. I met Adrian as he interviewed for the position at Texas A&M in San Antonio in 2010. It was then that I learned of his kind spirit and steadfast moral compass. I pray for the family’s comfort in knowing others care and sympathize with them. Blessings!
Dr. Adrian Sorrell was a friend and colleague of mine. I was blessed to hire him at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. His easy-going nature was evident from the on-campus interview. We experienced a power outage during his interview and transferred interview rooms two or three times, Adrian laughed it off and to our surprise, after such craziness, he took the job. I served with him on multiple committees and always could depend on his active participation, jovial communication, and thoughtful insight. He loved teaching and cared about developing exemplary special education teachers. His knowledge and teaching abilities were evidenced by prepared graduates, but most of all by students who wanted to sign up for his courses because of his expertise in the field. Dr. Sorrell held high expectations for his students, I remember a student telling me how each class day, he started his course with a timer and you must be in your seat when the bell went off to be counted present. High expectations, such as this and many others Dr. Sorrell instituted, develop significant job-related skills, such as responsibility, dedication, and organization. Dr. Sorrell will be greatly missed by the students, by his colleagues, and on the special education team. I am grateful our paths crossed and I will miss his gentle spirit.Â
I had the privilege of being one of Dr. Sorrell’s students this last semester. He never ceased to amaze me. He was incredibly positive amidst his personal battle. He went above and beyond giving his students 110%, all the while setting high expectations. A truly impactful soul and genuine inspiration. He will be greatly missed.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I grew up in Hondo with Adrian, awesome drum major at our school and a loving, caring individual he was. Blessings, may he rest peace.
In loving memory of a wonderful friend. I count it a privilege to be your forever friend, Adrian. You will live on in the hearts and minds of all who were blessed to know you.💜
May God continue to bless Minta and the whole family, as you watch over from above.
Forever in our hearts and minds, Adrian.