Elbert Lee Sumner, 79, of Tifton entered heaven on June 17, 2022. He was at his home with his wife of almost 58 years by his side. His home-going service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals with the Rev. Larry Daughtry and the Rev. Clayton Dowd officiating. He will be laid to rest at Vickers Church Cemetery in Berrien County. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Cory Daughtry, Walker Lasseter, Dawson Lasseter, Eli Turner, Billy Hancock, Chris Enfinger, Gavin Hiers and David Ford will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the Senior Adults of Carpenter Road Church of God.
Born March 4, 1943, in Tift County, Mr. Sumner was the son of the late Albert and Elvie Lynch Sumner of Chula. Elbert went to Chula Grammar School and graduated from Tift County High School in 1962. He was a textile mechanic at J. P. Stevens, Horizon, Queen Carpet and Shaw Industries. He was a hard worker and found joy in fixing things with his hands. He was past president of Woodmen of the World.
Elbert always had a garden planted of fresh veggies and enjoyed bowling with a men’s league. Most importantly, he loved the Lord and dedicated his life to telling others about Him. He studied the Bible and was a faithful worker in the church. He taught Sunday School, served as a deacon and obtained an exhorter’s license of ministry from the Church of God. He was a former member of Vickers Church and a current member and elder at Carpenter Road Church of God.
His survivors include his wife of almost 58 years, Shirley Hancock Sumner; his three daughters and sons-in-law, Gina and Larry Daughtry, Lisa and Travis Turner and Robin and Michael Lasseter; He was a Papa to his grandchildren and their spouses, Cory and Jennifer Daughtry, MacKenzie and Gavin Hiers, Raven and Chris Enfinger, Sarah and David Ford, Eli Turner, Andrew Turner, Samantha Newberry, Walker Lasseter and Dawson Lasseter. He was a great-grandpa to Presley and Brooks Ford; and one brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Regina Sumner. His special rescue dog, Lady was never far from his side.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, James Sumner.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts may be made to Carpenter Road Church of God, 40 Carpenter Road North, Tifton, GA 31793.