Benny Sorgee

Edgar “Benny” Sorgee, age 80, passed away in Tyler, Texas on Friday, September 8, 2023. Services will be 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at ChristPoint Methodist Church in Lindale, Texas under the direction of Caudle-Rutledge-Daugherty Funeral Home in Lindale, Texas. Pastor Michael Peschke will be officiating. Benny was born May 19, 1943, in Beaumont, Texas to the late Edgar and Louvenia (Kerry) Sorgee. He lived in Beaumont until he was 8 years old and then moved to Port Arthur, Texas and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. Benny earned a full scholarship to Sam Houston State University where he played football and helped lead the Sam Houston State Bearkats to their first national championship title in 1964. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, and then received his teaching certificate. Also, in 1964, he married the love of his life, Nancy Sue Brown in Edna, Texas. They both worked in education and moved to Lyford, Texas, then to Edna, Texas and then afterwards, moved to Port Arthur, Texas. Benny accepted a teaching and coaching position at Brazoswood High School, in Richwood, Texas. He taught typing and coached track and junior varsity football, helping the Buccaneers win their first State title in 1974. Although he was a tough coach, his students and players always knew they were loved and so did he. He expected excellence, pushed this students to be their best and helped them reach their full potential. He later started working for Westinghouse as a mil rite at Dow. In 1978, Westinghouse offered him a permanent position as a mechanical engineer. Benny loved football. He also loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. Benny was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar, and Louvenia Sorgee; wife of 40 years, Nancy. He is survived by his daughter, Kim Johnson and husband, Jon of Lindale, Texas; daughter, Dayna Powell and husband, Robert of Pensacola, Florida; sister, Mary Ortega of Beaumont, Texas; sister, Rose Mahan and husband, Joe of Irving, Texas; sister, Joyce Sorgee of Asotin, Washington; sister, Sherry Greiner and husband, Max of Kerrville; sister-in-law, Jeanne Plaintiff of Georgetown, Texas; brother-in-law, Daniel Brown and wife, Rose of Round Rock, Texas; grandson, Cody Johnson and Cara of Dallas, Texas; grandson, Matt Johnson of Tyler, Texas; grandson, Jacob Powell of Pensacola, Florida; granddaughter, Jessica Powell of Pensacola, Florida; numerous nieces and nephews and many other loving family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to ChristPoint Methodist church or Alzheimer’s Alliance of Tyler.

Benny Sorgee

May 19, 1943 - September 8, 2023