It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Lance Andreas Jesus Sotelo, 25, of Charlotte, North Carolina. Lance was born and raised in Dalton, Georgia, and lived a fearless life marked by empathy, compassion, and love.

Lance was proceeded in death by his grandfather Jesus Gomez Sotelo, grandfather Timothy Lee Smith, and grandmother, Nancy Cockburn. He is survived by his parents Jesus "Chuy" Sotelo and Jeanne Sotelo, sisters Emily Walker (Nick Walker) and Gabby Sotelo (Daniel Foust), nephew Emerson Walker, grandmother Vicki Sotelo, grandparents Roger and Mary Weathers, countless aunts, uncles, and cousins, all of Dalton, as well as partner, James Holt of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Lance was an alumnus of Dalton High School's class of 2019. While at DHS, he participated in student council, cross country, track and field, and was a scholar athlete. He earned 7th place at the state's Cross Country competition and top five in the state's Track and Field competition. The same day he earned top 10 at the state level, he was also crowned prom king and "Mr. DHS 2019".

Lance continued his education at Queens University of Charlotte where he earned a Bachelor's degree in business administration marketing and Master's degree in business administration. While there, he was a pillar of the campus community. As an undergraduate student, he served as president of Student Government Association. He was a devoted resident assistant and a steady source of guidance and friendship to his peers. His competitive spirit shone on the Men's Track and Field and Cross-Country teams, but it was his heart for service that truly defined him. He continued his love of running and entered the race scene in Charlotte fast and with flare, his tattooed rainbow armband proudly shown.

During transition to adult life, his family worried he would struggle being a small fish in a large pond but, in true Sotelo fashion, quickly proved them wrong. He embodied Queens Universities' motto of "not to be served, but to serve". Lance is remembered as a light in the dark. He had a heart of service that shown through his interactions with his community and teams; he was kind, brave, genuine, and deeply loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Lance lived an authentic life and encouraged others to do the same. He was bigger than life itself and his smile and laugh lit up a room.

His family hopes that his legacy will encourage others to live an authentic life in which they inspire others to do the same. To honor his legacy, his family will be starting a 501c3 to continue Lance's life of service.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you consider donating to Lance's Legacy once the non-profit is established.

"A moment of pain for a lifetime of glory."

"It be like that sometimes."

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Lance Andreas Jesus Sotelo will be held Monday evening, January 19, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel with his family and friends sharing memories. The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Sunday and after 3:00 p.m. Monday until the service hour at 7:00 p.m.

Click Here To View The Live Streaming Celebration of Life For Mr. Lance Andreas Jesus Sotelo

Arrangements by Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA, 30721

"Opening Our Home to Your Family, In Your Time of Need"