Joseph Thomas Sumrall
Born in Jones Co., MS on Oct. 12, 1925
Departed on Nov. 1, 2004 and resided in Bonaire, GA.
Visitation: Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004
Service: Thursday, Nov. 4, 2004
Cemetery: Magnolia Park Cemetery
Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions.
Joseph T. Sumrall, Sr., 79, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, November 1, 2004. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 4, at Central Baptist Church with interment following in Magnolia Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Hospice of Houston County, 103 Westridge Drive, Warner Robins, GA 31088 or Central Baptist Church, Joy in the Journey, 1647 Watson Blvd., Warner Robins, GA 31093.
Mr. Sumrall was born in Jones County, Mississippi on October 12, 1925. He retired from the United States Army Air Force, having served during WWII. He received his undergraduate and Masters in Education from the University of Alabama and a Specialists degree in Education from the University of Georgia. He started his career as a coach and educator at Thomasville High School in 1951. From 1966 to 1987 he was employed by the Houston County Board of Education as a coach, educator and administrator. In Thomasville, GA and Thomas County, GA he was inducted in the Sports Hall of Fame. He was a founder of the Houston County Drug Action Council (HODAC) and served on the H.E.A. Federal Credit Union Board of Directors. In his retirement he served as a PGA Official and also worked part-time at the Houston Lake Country Club. He was ordained as a Deacon at First Baptist Church in Thomasville, GA, where he taught a Boys Sunday School Class. He was a member of Central Baptist Church, where he taught a Young Men's Sunday School Class and coached Men's Softball. He was currently in Pete Joyner's 8:30 Sunday School Class. His hobbies included besides his family and friends, he loved golf, gardening, sports and his dog "Bo". He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. His parents, Thomas Clinton and Erma Mae Sumrall preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Jean N. Sumrall, Bonaire; children, Krista Joyner (Ronnie), Grand Rapids, MI, Dr. Joe Sumrall, Jr. (Jeffre), Bonaire, GA, June Eberhart (Richard), Fayetteville, GA, Kaye Latham (Hal), Peachtree City, GA, Joy Crawford (Johnny), Macon, GA; sister, Bernice Hurst, Ellisville, MS; 20 grandchildren, twin great-grandchildren.
Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An International City coaching pioneer has died.
Joe Sumrall died Monday November 1st, just six weeks after being diagnosed with lung cancer. He turned 79 on Oct. 12.
"It's a tremendous loss to not only those who knew Coach Sumrall, but for all the things he did for Warner Robins High School and the community," current Demons coach Bryan Way said.
Sumrall is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jean, children Krista Joyner (Ronnie), Dr. Joe Sumrall, Jr. (Jeffre), June Eberhart (Richard), Kaye Latham (Hal) and Joy Crawford (Johnny), 21 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
"I think he's a strong example of family and community," former Northside coach and principal Matt Arthur said. "He believed strongly in his family. You can tell by his children the time he put in with them."
While he only coached football at Warner Robins High School for four years, Sumrall deserves much of the credit for laying the foundation for much of the success the school enjoys even today.
When Sumrall was named to the head coaching job in 1966, the Demons were coming off their ninth straight losing season. That was a record of mediocrity to which Sumrall was unaccustomed.
His previous assignment was at Thomasville High School beginning as an assistant in 1951. While there, he enjoyed tremendous success. His teams won region championships his first five years. In 1958 - Sumrall's first year as head coach - the Bulldogs tied Avondale in the state title game and shared the crown.
In eight years at Thomasville, Sumrall compiled a record of 65-21-5. He won 10 games four times. During his tenure, the Thomasville program became associated with excellence not only on the field but with regard to the facilities available to the athletes.
Warner Robins went 1-9 in Sumrall's first season before he guided the Demons to finishes of 5-5, 9-1 and 9-1. Current Westside coach Robert Davis was one of Sumrall's first assistants at Warner Robins as was Conrad Nix, now at Northside.
With the wins came an enhanced community identity. Sumrall was a driving force behind the construction of International City Stadium, now McConnell-Talbert, in 1969.
In 1970, Sumrall turned the reins of the program over to Frank Orgel while moving into administration as the Warner Robins principal. Two years later, he became athletics director for the Houston County school district.
In that capacity, he developed athletic programs in the junior high schools and oversaw physical education for elementary students. The football stadium at Bonaire Middle School now bears his name.
"He was just a strong member of our community for a good long while," Arthur said. "He will be missed."
By Chris Deighan
Macon Telegraph
Born in Jones Co., MS on Oct. 12, 1925
Departed on Nov. 1, 2004 and resided in Bonaire, GA.
Visitation: Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004
Service: Thursday, Nov. 4, 2004
Cemetery: Magnolia Park Cemetery
Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions.
Joseph T. Sumrall, Sr., 79, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, November 1, 2004. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 4, at Central Baptist Church with interment following in Magnolia Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Hospice of Houston County, 103 Westridge Drive, Warner Robins, GA 31088 or Central Baptist Church, Joy in the Journey, 1647 Watson Blvd., Warner Robins, GA 31093.
Mr. Sumrall was born in Jones County, Mississippi on October 12, 1925. He retired from the United States Army Air Force, having served during WWII. He received his undergraduate and Masters in Education from the University of Alabama and a Specialists degree in Education from the University of Georgia. He started his career as a coach and educator at Thomasville High School in 1951. From 1966 to 1987 he was employed by the Houston County Board of Education as a coach, educator and administrator. In Thomasville, GA and Thomas County, GA he was inducted in the Sports Hall of Fame. He was a founder of the Houston County Drug Action Council (HODAC) and served on the H.E.A. Federal Credit Union Board of Directors. In his retirement he served as a PGA Official and also worked part-time at the Houston Lake Country Club. He was ordained as a Deacon at First Baptist Church in Thomasville, GA, where he taught a Boys Sunday School Class. He was a member of Central Baptist Church, where he taught a Young Men's Sunday School Class and coached Men's Softball. He was currently in Pete Joyner's 8:30 Sunday School Class. His hobbies included besides his family and friends, he loved golf, gardening, sports and his dog "Bo". He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. His parents, Thomas Clinton and Erma Mae Sumrall preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Jean N. Sumrall, Bonaire; children, Krista Joyner (Ronnie), Grand Rapids, MI, Dr. Joe Sumrall, Jr. (Jeffre), Bonaire, GA, June Eberhart (Richard), Fayetteville, GA, Kaye Latham (Hal), Peachtree City, GA, Joy Crawford (Johnny), Macon, GA; sister, Bernice Hurst, Ellisville, MS; 20 grandchildren, twin great-grandchildren.
Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An International City coaching pioneer has died.
Joe Sumrall died Monday November 1st, just six weeks after being diagnosed with lung cancer. He turned 79 on Oct. 12.
"It's a tremendous loss to not only those who knew Coach Sumrall, but for all the things he did for Warner Robins High School and the community," current Demons coach Bryan Way said.
Sumrall is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jean, children Krista Joyner (Ronnie), Dr. Joe Sumrall, Jr. (Jeffre), June Eberhart (Richard), Kaye Latham (Hal) and Joy Crawford (Johnny), 21 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
"I think he's a strong example of family and community," former Northside coach and principal Matt Arthur said. "He believed strongly in his family. You can tell by his children the time he put in with them."
While he only coached football at Warner Robins High School for four years, Sumrall deserves much of the credit for laying the foundation for much of the success the school enjoys even today.
When Sumrall was named to the head coaching job in 1966, the Demons were coming off their ninth straight losing season. That was a record of mediocrity to which Sumrall was unaccustomed.
His previous assignment was at Thomasville High School beginning as an assistant in 1951. While there, he enjoyed tremendous success. His teams won region championships his first five years. In 1958 - Sumrall's first year as head coach - the Bulldogs tied Avondale in the state title game and shared the crown.
In eight years at Thomasville, Sumrall compiled a record of 65-21-5. He won 10 games four times. During his tenure, the Thomasville program became associated with excellence not only on the field but with regard to the facilities available to the athletes.
Warner Robins went 1-9 in Sumrall's first season before he guided the Demons to finishes of 5-5, 9-1 and 9-1. Current Westside coach Robert Davis was one of Sumrall's first assistants at Warner Robins as was Conrad Nix, now at Northside.
With the wins came an enhanced community identity. Sumrall was a driving force behind the construction of International City Stadium, now McConnell-Talbert, in 1969.
In 1970, Sumrall turned the reins of the program over to Frank Orgel while moving into administration as the Warner Robins principal. Two years later, he became athletics director for the Houston County school district.
In that capacity, he developed athletic programs in the junior high schools and oversaw physical education for elementary students. The football stadium at Bonaire Middle School now bears his name.
"He was just a strong member of our community for a good long while," Arthur said. "He will be missed."
By Chris Deighan
Macon Telegraph
Joseph Thomas Sumrall
Born in Jones Co., MS on Oct. 12, 1925
Departed on Nov. 1, 2004 and resided in Bonaire, GA.
Visitation: Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004
Service: Thursday, Nov. 4, 2004
Cemetery: Magnolia Park Cemetery
Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions.
Joseph T. Sumrall, Sr., 79, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, November 1, 2004. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 4, at Central Baptist Church with interment following in Magnolia Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Hospice of Houston County, 103 Westridge Drive, Warner Robins, GA 31088 or Central Baptist Church, Joy in the Journey, 1647 Watson Blvd., Warner Robins, GA 31093.
Mr. Sumrall was born in Jones County, Mississippi on October 12, 1925. He retired from the United States Army Air Force, having served during WWII. He received his undergraduate and Masters in Education from the University of Alabama and a Specialists degree in Education from the University of Georgia. He started his career as a coach and educator at Thomasville High School in 1951. From 1966 to 1987 he was employed by the Houston County Board of Education as a coach, educator and administrator. In Thomasville, GA and Thomas County, GA he was inducted in the Sports Hall of Fame. He was a founder of the Houston County Drug Action Council (HODAC) and served on the H.E.A. Federal Credit Union Board of Directors. In his retirement he served as a PGA Official and also worked part-time at the Houston Lake Country Club. He was ordained as a Deacon at First Baptist Church in Thomasville, GA, where he taught a Boys Sunday School Class. He was a member of Central Baptist Church, where he taught a Young Men's Sunday School Class and coached Men's Softball. He was currently in Pete Joyner's 8:30 Sunday School Class. His hobbies included besides his family and friends, he loved golf, gardening, sports and his dog "Bo". He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. His parents, Thomas Clinton and Erma Mae Sumrall preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Jean N. Sumrall, Bonaire; children, Krista Joyner (Ronnie), Grand Rapids, MI, Dr. Joe Sumrall, Jr. (Jeffre), Bonaire, GA, June Eberhart (Richard), Fayetteville, GA, Kaye Latham (Hal), Peachtree City, GA, Joy Crawford (Johnny), Macon, GA; sister, Bernice Hurst, Ellisville, MS; 20 grandchildren, twin great-grandchildren.
Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An International City coaching pioneer has died.
Joe Sumrall died Monday November 1st, just six weeks after being diagnosed with lung cancer. He turned 79 on Oct. 12.
"It's a tremendous loss to not only those who knew Coach Sumrall, but for all the things he did for Warner Robins High School and the community," current Demons coach Bryan Way said.
Sumrall is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jean, children Krista Joyner (Ronnie), Dr. Joe Sumrall, Jr. (Jeffre), June Eberhart (Richard), Kaye Latham (Hal) and Joy Crawford (Johnny), 21 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
"I think he's a strong example of family and community," former Northside coach and principal Matt Arthur said. "He believed strongly in his family. You can tell by his children the time he put in with them."
While he only coached football at Warner Robins High School for four years, Sumrall deserves much of the credit for laying the foundation for much of the success the school enjoys even today.
When Sumrall was named to the head coaching job in 1966, the Demons were coming off their ninth straight losing season. That was a record of mediocrity to which Sumrall was unaccustomed.
His previous assignment was at Thomasville High School beginning as an assistant in 1951. While there, he enjoyed tremendous success. His teams won region championships his first five years. In 1958 - Sumrall's first year as head coach - the Bulldogs tied Avondale in the state title game and shared the crown.
In eight years at Thomasville, Sumrall compiled a record of 65-21-5. He won 10 games four times. During his tenure, the Thomasville program became associated with excellence not only on the field but with regard to the facilities available to the athletes.
Warner Robins went 1-9 in Sumrall's first season before he guided the Demons to finishes of 5-5, 9-1 and 9-1. Current Westside coach Robert Davis was one of Sumrall's first assistants at Warner Robins as was Conrad Nix, now at Northside.
With the wins came an enhanced community identity. Sumrall was a driving force behind the construction of International City Stadium, now McConnell-Talbert, in 1969.
In 1970, Sumrall turned the reins of the program over to Frank Orgel while moving into administration as the Warner Robins principal. Two years later, he became athletics director for the Houston County school district.
In that capacity, he developed athletic programs in the junior high schools and oversaw physical education for elementary students. The football stadium at Bonaire Middle School now bears his name.
"He was just a strong member of our community for a good long while," Arthur said. "He will be missed."
By Chris Deighan
Macon Telegraph
Born in Jones Co., MS on Oct. 12, 1925
Departed on Nov. 1, 2004 and resided in Bonaire, GA.
Visitation: Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004
Service: Thursday, Nov. 4, 2004
Cemetery: Magnolia Park Cemetery
Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions.
Joseph T. Sumrall, Sr., 79, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, November 1, 2004. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 4, at Central Baptist Church with interment following in Magnolia Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Hospice of Houston County, 103 Westridge Drive, Warner Robins, GA 31088 or Central Baptist Church, Joy in the Journey, 1647 Watson Blvd., Warner Robins, GA 31093.
Mr. Sumrall was born in Jones County, Mississippi on October 12, 1925. He retired from the United States Army Air Force, having served during WWII. He received his undergraduate and Masters in Education from the University of Alabama and a Specialists degree in Education from the University of Georgia. He started his career as a coach and educator at Thomasville High School in 1951. From 1966 to 1987 he was employed by the Houston County Board of Education as a coach, educator and administrator. In Thomasville, GA and Thomas County, GA he was inducted in the Sports Hall of Fame. He was a founder of the Houston County Drug Action Council (HODAC) and served on the H.E.A. Federal Credit Union Board of Directors. In his retirement he served as a PGA Official and also worked part-time at the Houston Lake Country Club. He was ordained as a Deacon at First Baptist Church in Thomasville, GA, where he taught a Boys Sunday School Class. He was a member of Central Baptist Church, where he taught a Young Men's Sunday School Class and coached Men's Softball. He was currently in Pete Joyner's 8:30 Sunday School Class. His hobbies included besides his family and friends, he loved golf, gardening, sports and his dog "Bo". He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. His parents, Thomas Clinton and Erma Mae Sumrall preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Jean N. Sumrall, Bonaire; children, Krista Joyner (Ronnie), Grand Rapids, MI, Dr. Joe Sumrall, Jr. (Jeffre), Bonaire, GA, June Eberhart (Richard), Fayetteville, GA, Kaye Latham (Hal), Peachtree City, GA, Joy Crawford (Johnny), Macon, GA; sister, Bernice Hurst, Ellisville, MS; 20 grandchildren, twin great-grandchildren.
Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An International City coaching pioneer has died.
Joe Sumrall died Monday November 1st, just six weeks after being diagnosed with lung cancer. He turned 79 on Oct. 12.
"It's a tremendous loss to not only those who knew Coach Sumrall, but for all the things he did for Warner Robins High School and the community," current Demons coach Bryan Way said.
Sumrall is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jean, children Krista Joyner (Ronnie), Dr. Joe Sumrall, Jr. (Jeffre), June Eberhart (Richard), Kaye Latham (Hal) and Joy Crawford (Johnny), 21 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
"I think he's a strong example of family and community," former Northside coach and principal Matt Arthur said. "He believed strongly in his family. You can tell by his children the time he put in with them."
While he only coached football at Warner Robins High School for four years, Sumrall deserves much of the credit for laying the foundation for much of the success the school enjoys even today.
When Sumrall was named to the head coaching job in 1966, the Demons were coming off their ninth straight losing season. That was a record of mediocrity to which Sumrall was unaccustomed.
His previous assignment was at Thomasville High School beginning as an assistant in 1951. While there, he enjoyed tremendous success. His teams won region championships his first five years. In 1958 - Sumrall's first year as head coach - the Bulldogs tied Avondale in the state title game and shared the crown.
In eight years at Thomasville, Sumrall compiled a record of 65-21-5. He won 10 games four times. During his tenure, the Thomasville program became associated with excellence not only on the field but with regard to the facilities available to the athletes.
Warner Robins went 1-9 in Sumrall's first season before he guided the Demons to finishes of 5-5, 9-1 and 9-1. Current Westside coach Robert Davis was one of Sumrall's first assistants at Warner Robins as was Conrad Nix, now at Northside.
With the wins came an enhanced community identity. Sumrall was a driving force behind the construction of International City Stadium, now McConnell-Talbert, in 1969.
In 1970, Sumrall turned the reins of the program over to Frank Orgel while moving into administration as the Warner Robins principal. Two years later, he became athletics director for the Houston County school district.
In that capacity, he developed athletic programs in the junior high schools and oversaw physical education for elementary students. The football stadium at Bonaire Middle School now bears his name.
"He was just a strong member of our community for a good long while," Arthur said. "He will be missed."
By Chris Deighan
Macon Telegraph
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