Herman Sumner, 88, of Irwin County died Sunday, October 20, 2013, at Irwin County Hospital in Ocilla.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, October 22, 2013, at Frank Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Edward McIntyre, Elder John Shelton Mikell, and Reverend Lance Sumner officiating. Interment will follow in the Frank Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Monday evening at the Paulk Funeral Home in Ocilla.
Mr. Sumner was born December 7, 1924, in Wheeler County, Georgia, to the late J.T. and Vinna McDaniel Sumner. He moved to Irwin County in 1939 and was a 1941 graduate of Ocilla High School, living the greater part of his life in Irwin County. He was a farmer and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Mr. Sumner’s favorite past-time was supporting his family by attending the sporting events of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He formerly served on the Irwin County Board of Education. A longtime member of Frank Primitive Baptist Church, Mr. Sumner was a Deacon, a former Bible Study teacher, and had served as church clerk for over 40 years.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years: Sara Roberts Sumner; two sons and daughters-in-law: Walter & Sandra Sumner and Franklin & Janet Sumner, all of Irwin County; grandchildren and their spouses: Chad & Leigh Sumner of Tifton, Andi & Ricky McWhorter and Melanie & Jason Royal, all of Irwin County; Lance & Deena Sumner of Stockbridge, and Casey & Christina Sumner of Marshfield, Missouri; 11 great-grandchildren; and one brother and sister-in-law: Kelly & Shirlie Sumner of Ben Hill County. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Frank Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Warren Mixon, 108 North Cherry Street, Ocilla, GA 31774.