Junior Harold Sorrells was born on May 15, 1937, in Covington County to Abe Madison Sorrells and Annie Caroline Sorrells. Harold has one younger sister, Peggy Henderson. Harold Sorrells, a lifelong resident of the Opp area, has dedicated much of his life and energy to the advancement of this community. Harold’s involvement in community activities started early with school activities during his years in the Opp City School System. He served as president of the OHS Beta Club, played in the band, and worked nearly full-time in an Opp business.
After graduating from Opp High School with honors in 1955, he joined the United States Navy to serve his country, as well as his com- munity, for four years. Instead of continuing to sail the seas, Harold decided to use the money he had saved in the Navy to start his own business. Harold bought his first truck in July 1959 and started his trucking business career. On May 5, 1960, he married Jeanette McCullough. To this union, three daughters were born, Melissa S Mims, Susan S. Hubbard, and Julie S. Moody. Through entrepreneurship, hard work, and personal risk, he started J.H. Sorrells, Inc. from nothing and had built it into one of the most respected, privately held trucking companies in Alabama. Through the building years, Harold was determined that Opp, Alabama would remain his company’s “home base.” He leased trucks to Deaton Truck Lines, based in Birmingham, in the early 1960s, after establishing a strong record with Deaton, executives with the company approached Harold about relocating to the Birmingham area. Foregoing personal gain, he made the decision to stay in Opp and to honor his commitment to his local employees. His decision to keep the doors of his business open in Opp has proven to be a wise one. His company grew the employee base and increased the number of trailers and trucks on the road. His trucks traveled from coast to coast boldly advertising Opp, Alabama as the home of MSJ Trucking. Harold’s expertise in the trucking business did not go unnoticed statewide. In 1992, he was appointed to Deaton Truck Lines Board of Directors. In 2004, he was chosen as Chairman of the Board of the Alabama Trucking Association (ATA), a high honor in Alabama’s trucking industry
Harold’s service did not stop with the trucking industry. He served on the Opp Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for a total of sixteen years, including at least one term as president. An active member of Opp’s Rotary Club, Harold was named the Club’s Paul Harris Fellow in 1995. The Paul Harris award honors Rotarians who have made tangible and significant contributions to the betterment of relationships locally and internationally.
In 1990, he was named to the Mizell Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, a responsibility he took seriously. He served as Chairman of the Mizell Board for eight years. During his term on the Mizell Board and much to the credit of his leadership abilities, Mizell Memorial Hospital has opened an Oncology Center, renovated numerous areas within the hospital and built office buildings for occupation by physicians. Due in no small part to Harold’s insistence and his actions. Mizell Memorial Hospital ended its affiliation with Baptist Hospitals in 1999, to become a self-supporting, independent facility once again. An open MRI unit and a same day surgery unit were also opened during his service as Chairman. His part in bringing about the improvements as well as the recruitment of new physicians to the Opp area has made Harold an invaluable asset to Mizell’s Board. He served without compensation, working tirelessly to make available quality healthcare to the people of Opp.
The members of First Baptist Church have felt his influence as well. A deacon since 1981, Harold has served on and chaired numerous Church committees including Finance, Nominating, and Building and Grounds. He has spearheaded successful fund-raising campaigns aimed at purchasing empty buildings in downtown Opp and renovating them for use as Church facilities.
Harold’s influence and passion for economic growth for Opp does not stop at the city limit signs. He served many years on the Covington County Economic Development Commission actively seeking industry for our city. He has made numerous trips to Montgomery to pursue funds and commitments for expanding Highway 331 to a four-lane highway.
Perhaps Harold’s highest achievement has been his five-year term of service on the Alabama Ethics Commission. The Ethics Commission is a five-member panel of Alabama residents who review cases of potentially unethical and/or illegal behavior by elected and ap- pointed officials and government employees. Harold served on the Commission from 1999 until 2004, chairing the panel during his final year.
Through Harold’s willingness to serve in all these capacities, he constantly promotes Opp and its citizens. By his service, he has con- tributed and continues to contribute to the betterment and fame of Opp. Although his list of leadership roles in the areas of civic, com- munity, church and state service is impressive, the most impressive attribute is his personal character and values. There is no doubt that his public contributions to the community pale in comparison to the private and anonymous assistance he has provided Opp families, community organizations and church ministries over the years. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame 2014.
