David Clifford Sorrells

David Clifford ?Cliff? Sorrells died December 21, 2004 at Hospice of the Valley in Peoria, Arizona.  He was born on March 13, 1917, in dusty, New Mexico, the son of David Benjamin and Mattie Mae (Welty) Sorrells.  Cliff was 87 years old.   Cliff?s parents came to Yavapai County by covered wagon in 1920 from New Mexico. They homesteaded on what is now the family ranch in Peeples Valley.   Cliff graduated from Prescott High in 1934.  He was a 62-year member of Prescott Elk Lodge #330.  Cliff retired in 1972 as Chief of the Law Enforcement Division of Arizona Game and Fish after 25-years of service. His proudest achievement before his retirement, with the aid of State Senator Burton Barr, was the establishment of the retirement system for his division of Arizona Game and Fish, which is still being used today.   Cliff loved breeding, raising, and running race horses at the Ruidoso in New Mexico and Prescott Downs.  He enjoyed his ranch, outdoors, hunting, fishing, and the many friends he shared these activities with.  He always had a good story about the campfires he sat around with his friends; especially George Phippen and Budge Ruffner.  For years Cliff conducted the annual buffalo hunt at Fort Huachuca.   Cliff was most proud of his children and grandchildren, and  his lasting contribution to Arizona Game and Fish.   Cliff is survived by his son, David (Jill) Sorrells Jr. of Kirkland, AZ, daughters, Dorthy (Jerry) Hayes of Glendale, AZ, and Cara (Keith) Mercurio of Peoria, AZ, brother, Lee (Bonnie) Sorrells of Yarnell, AZ. Survivors also include his grandchildren; Shelly, Ty, Emily, Hanna, Becky, Beth, and Karen, great-grandchildren; Denae, Baily, Travis, and Shea. Cliff was preceded in death by his loving and caring wife, Mary Ann (Thimmes) Sorrells. Cliff?s life was further enriched in his later years by his loving companion Nadeen Bickle.   A Gathering of Friends will be Wednesday, December 29, 2004, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the AZ. Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home, 303 South Cortez St., Prescott.  Graveside services will be Thursday 11:00AM, December 30, 2004, at the Peeples Valley Cemetery.    The family suggests memorials in Cliff?s memory to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flowers St., Phoenix, AZ 85014