SUMNER - Billy J. Sumner, 79, of Fernandina Beach, FL passed away Saturday evening, February 7, 2015, after an extended illness.
Mr. Sumner was born August 7, 1935 in Berrien County, GA and moved to Fernandina Beach in 1977 from Jacksonville, FL. He was a member of Blackrock Baptist Church and of IAM & AW (Machinist Union). Mr. Sumner was a Master Machinist who retired in 1998 from Container Corporation of America after 21 years. During retirement, Mr. Summer loved to travel and was an avid RV-er and a state park Camp Host in Georgia and Florida. He also loved fast old cars and was known to be a risk taker.
He was predeceased by his wife of 41 years, Marie Sumner and by two sisters and four brothers.
Survivors include his son and daughter in law, David and Laura Sumner of Fernandina Beach, FL; three daughters and sons in law, Karen L. and Alan Dowdy of Laurel, MD, Marcia E. and Robert Thompson of Newport Beach, CA and Cheryl M. and Isaac Wise of Yulee, FL; a brother and sister in law, Elmer "Doc" and Hazel Sumer of Lenox, GA; nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 12, in the Stephens Chapel at Green Pine Funeral Home with Rev. Frank Camarotti officiating. Interment will follow in Green Pine Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service Thursday at the funeral Home and immediately following the graveside service in the home of Mr Sumner in Fernandina Beach, FL.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial donations be made the Alzheimer's Assoc. Donations may be made on line at www.alz.org or by calling 800-272-3900.