Robert Burl Sumner

Mr. Robert B. Sumner, age 84 of Pearson, Georgia also known by many as Colonel Sumner passed away on Sunday, December 26, 2010 at his home following an extended illness. Born in Atkinson County on May 15, 1926, Mr. Sumner was the son of Wiley and Olive Deen Sumner. Mr. Sumner served in the United States Army during World War II. He was sworn in at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, Ga. and after completing basic training, he was transported to Pearl Harbor and later to Okinawa, Japan where he served in his first combat duties. Mr. Sumner returned to the United States in the summer of 1946 where he was honorably discharged in Alamo, Texas. After receiving his diploma from South Georgia College in Douglas, Ga. in 1948, he enrolled in the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga. where he obtained his law degree. Mr. Sumner opened his law firm in Pearson and Douglas where he practiced for over 55 years before retiring in the spring of 2009. As a lawyer and advocate, Robert Sumner was "of, and for, the common man". Mr. Sumner was a lifelong member of the Pearson United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Alapaha and Douglas Bar Association, The Georgia Bar Association, Pearson Masonic Lodge, and the Shriner's. Survivors include his wife of 53 years: Betty W. Sumner of Pearson, GA.; two daughters: Lucinda S. Johnson and husband Perry of Alpharetta, Ga.; Robyn S. Cuneo and husband Mike of Blackshear, Ga.; five grandchildren: Allison and Trey Johnson of Alpharetta, Ga., Andrew, Ansley, and Abby Cuneo of Blackshear, Ga.; two nephews, Douglas W. Mitchell III of Douglas, Ga., and Keith Coffey of Chatsworth, Ga. Funeral services for Mr. Sumner were held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, December 30, 2010 at Pearson United Methodist Church with Rev. Bill Swafford, Rev. Evelyn Duvall, and Rev. Carlie Lastinger officiating. The Eulogy was given by grandson Trey Johnson and son in law Mike Cuneo and a Scripture Reading was given by granddaughter Ansley Cuneo. Special musical selections included "Amazing Grace" rendered by the attending congregation with Phil Liles at the piano, "You Raise Me Up" rendered by David and Karen Warren accompanied by cd and a special musical "My Tribute" was played by JoAnn Johnson pianist. Soft music for the Prelude and the Postlude was provided by pianist Phil Liles. The interment followed in Union Hill Cemetery with Military Honors rendered by an Honor Guard Contingent from Ft. Stewart Georgia. Serving as active pallbearers were: Clyatt James, Jr., Keith Coffey, Evan Deen Ronald Deen, James Corbitt, Charlie Corbitt, Bobby Deen and Doug Mitchell. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Douglas and Alapaha Bar Association. Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson, Ga. was in charge of the arrangements. Sympathies may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.relihanfuneralhome.com