Sterling Wilhoit Sumner

Sept. 17, 1942 - April 21, 2024

Sterling Wilhoit Sumner passed away Sunday evening, April 21, 2024, peacefully surrounded by his loving family at his home. A celebration of life will be Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Gray Memorial Chapel, 4378 Gray Highway, Gray, Georgia 31032 at 12:00 p.m. with a visitation for family and friends at 11:00 a.m.

Pastor Adam Bray will be officiating. Interment will follow at Elam Memorial Gardens.

Sterling was born in Quincy, Florida, on, September 17, 1942, to the late Clyde Carl Sumner and Hattie Long Sumner.

He was also preceded in death by his wife, Sandra B. Sumner, son, Kevin Jerome Sumner, son-in-law, Scott Clements, grandson, Jason Cohen Sumner, brothers, Edmond, Lewis, Amos, Carl Jr., sister, Margaret Wells.

Sterling served his country proudly in the United States Army.

A member of the Gray Masonic Lodge. He was the third fire chief of the Gray Fire Department from 1973 to 1977. He served as Mayor Pro tem, city council, county commissioner, and Lions Club of Jones County. Sterling was a member of Elam Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. He was known for his generosity and found great pleasure in giving to a need in secret. Sterling had a passion for nature with his own little zoo of turkey and deer that he fed in his back yard. He enjoyed his river fishing and hunting trips with his brothers. A devoted husband to Diane and a loving father to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife of twenty eight years, Diane; daughters, Karen (Woody) Clements Smith and their children, Kristen (Caleb) Graham, Brandon (Katie) Clements, Trent Smith and Tobe Smith; son, Kenneth (Natalie) Sumner and their children, Braden, Samuel, and Lena; son, Jesse (Christie) Annis and their child, Anna; daughter, Ashley (Will) Mizell and their children Wilhoit and Johnnie. Great-grandchildren, Knox, Collins, Brody, Bradley, Bryson and Briggs. Brothers, William C., and Alvin Sumner; sister, Myrle Jones.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that you make donations to the Elam Baptist Church Building Fund, 203 Elam Church Road, Gray, Georgia 31032.

Gray Memorial Chapel is honored to be entrusted with the care of the Sterling Sumner family. Visit graymemorialchapel.com to register your online condolences.