Newell "Sarge" "Ned" Dorsey

Newell "Sarge" "Ned" Dorsey, resident of Tift County since 1970, a devoted member of the local community, passed away peacefully at his residence on September 7, 2025, at the age of 96.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 13, 2025 in the chapel of Albritton Funeral Directors with Rev. Josh Bennett officiating. Eulogies will be delivered by Jim Sparks, Leigh and Maggie Vickery. Interment will follow at Tift Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 9:00 to 10:45 A.M. at the funeral home before the service.

Jim Sparks, Larry Burkett, Jeff Hunt, Dallas Hunt Lee Gray and Ryan Norton will serve as pallbearers.

Born on September 22, 1928, in Waco, Texas, Sarge was a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to serving both his country and his community. He honorably served in the United States Air Force for twenty-two years, after graduating from Barron High School in Wisconsin. After his military service, he obtained his Bachelor's degree from Valdosta State University and Master's degree from Georgia Southern in Athletics.

Sarge made significant contributions to the Athletics Department at ABAC and Tiftarea Academy, where he provided unwavering support and encouragement to countless students. His love for Tiftarea Academy was evident; he was not only a true supporter but also possessed an impressive knowledge of the school's rich history in sports events, which he loved to share with others. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Sarge enjoyed a variety of interests outside of work. He was an avid photographer and had a particular fondness for all sports, with track being his favorite. He found joy in simple pleasures, such as mowing the grass, collecting rocks, and picking up pecans. Those who knew him will remember him not only for his contributions but also for his kind spirit and laughter. He would always want us to remember winning and losing are only temporary, friendships are forever.

Sarge is survived by his loving wife of sixty-nine years, Naomi McGraw Dorsey whom he married on January 14, 1956,; his daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Rick Phillips; his granddaughter, Alena "Nikki" Norton, and her fiancé, Lee Gray; his great-grandchild, Emmeline "Emmy" Norton; his brother and sister-in-law, Jere and Helga McManus; and his sisters and brothers-in-law, Hattie Bell and Glen Grenshing, Joy and Richard Workman, and Leila Mehus.

He was preceded in death by his father, Newell C. Dorsey; his mother, Mary Chambers Dorsey McMaug; and his brother, Charles Dorsey.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Tiftarea Academy for the Coach Sarge Dorsey Athletic Scholarship, PO Box 10, Chula, Ga. 31733.

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.