Rev. William “Billy” Sumner, Sr., 84, of Tifton passed away Thursday, January 28, 2021, at his residence. A graveside funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, January 31, 2021, at Lawrence Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest. The Rev. Keith Loyd will officiate. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 30, 2021, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals. Covid-19 guidelines will be observed during the visitation.
Born November 23, 1936 in Tifton, Rev. Sumner was the son of the late Tomy Watson Sumner and Rinnie Thompson Sumner. He was also preceded in death by his wives, Pearlie Jane Sumner and Alma Jean Sumner; and one sister, Lillian Fletcher. Before retiring, he was a mechanic for the City of Tifton and Tift General Tire Company. He was also a retired minister and had formerly pastored several churches. He was a lifetime supported of Christian youth camps and remained active, even after retirement. He loved to fish and raised fishing worms. He was a member of Corinth Freewill Baptist Church in Brookfield.
Rev. Sumner is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, William James “Jimmy” Jr. and Darlene Sumner, Tommy Watson and Sarah Sumner and Mike Anthony and Rhonda Sumner, all of Tifton; one daughter, Virginia Mae Sumner of Tifton; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Peggy Busbin of Tifton and Nellie Jo and Donald Franks of Conyers; fourteen grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and eight great-great grandchildren.