Thomas Edward Sorie

Thomas “Tommy” Edward Sorie, 76, of Enfield, passed away the early morning of May 22, 2026. Tommy was a life-long resident of Halifax County and a beloved husband, father, brother, cousin and friend.

Tommy was born July 15, 1949 to Thomas and Elizabeth Sorie. He was the oldest son of six children and one of many baby-boomers born to the extended Sorie clan in the 1940s through the 1960s. Like most young men in his time in Halifax County, Tommy took over the family farm. After several years of struggles and set-backs, Tommy let go of the farm and began a career at the Georgia Pacific sawmill in Enfield and remained there for many years until the operation closed. With years of experience and being mechanically inclined, Tommy had no problem finding work until retirement at Southeast Fabricators in Rocky Mount. He continued to work part-time for the US Department of Agriculture conducting surveys with farmers in the region. No grass grew under Tommy’s feet. He had a tremendous work ethic, detailed craftsmanship and broad knowledge base and worked hard all his life.

Not only was Tommy a diligent worker, he was an avid outdoorsman. He was a respected hunter and fisherman who had a wealth of knowledge about the land, fish and animals in the region. He was president of Ole Mill Hunting Lodge for over 20 years and a member of the Halifax Fishing Club. He could always find the rockfish on the Roanoke River or the bucks along Beech Swamp and Sorietown Rd.

Of greatest importance to Tommy were his family and friends. He always attended family functions, events at Dawson Baptist Church and get-togethers of life long friends in Halifax County, Wilmington and Fayetteville. He was usually asked to take on the task of barbecuing chickens, and nobody could grill a bird like “Top Cat.”

Tommy had a quiet faith but claimed Jesus as his savior. Tommy’s answer to a man who asked him about his salvation once was “I’m counting on it.”

Tommy is survived by his wife Donna, daughter Jessica Norris of Nashville, NC, sister Barbara Ann Brown of Wilmington, NC, brother Phillip of Fayetteville, NC, brother John of Dunn, NC and nephews Simeon and Sammy Brown and niece Christy Brown of Wilmington, NC. Tommy also loved his two dogs, Colt, Nacho and Lady. Sisters Susy Sorie and Connie Dana as well as parents have all passed on.

Tommy will always be loved dearly and missed terribly by those who knew him best.

A memorial service and celebration of Tommy’s life will be held in the coming weeks.

Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Services is handling arrangements for the Sorie family. Family and friends may sign the online register by visiting www.hockadayfs.com.