William “Jack” Sumner, 68, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at Dorminy Medical Center, in Fitzgerald, Georgia.
Graveside services will be held 10 AM, Saturday, September 16, 2023, at Bethlehem Cemetery, in Ben Hill County, Georgia, with the Rev. Earl Perry officiating. The family will greet friends following the services at the cemetery.
Mr. Sumner was born January 12, 1955, in Ben Hill County, Georgia, to the late Thomas Ray & Jacquelyn “Jackie” Ash Sumner. He was a 1973 graduate of Fitzgerald High School. He and his dad drove semis and he later drove a truck for Wal-Mart distribution for over 20 years. He had a lifelong love of working on anything with an engine. He began with cars then moved on to boats and airplanes. He was an entrepreneur in the golf cart and fast-food industry. Mr. Sumner could grow the best potatoes in his garden and boil the best peanuts. He was a true friend and very devoted to his family.
He is survived by his wife Connie Copeland Sumner of Fitzgerald; children: William Jackson “Bill” Sumner, Jr. of Fitzgerald and Nita Sumner & Brandon of Fitzgerald; grandchildren: Morgan Payne and Jackie Payne & James; great-grandchildren: Olivia Stinchcomb and Odessa Stinchcomb and a brother, Thomas Ray Sumner & Liza of Fitzgerald. Several nieces and nephews and many aunts, uncles and cousins also survive. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, W. E. “Gene” Sumner.
Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of arrangements.