John Edward Sumner, 68, Elizabethton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 13, 2016, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital. Born in Kingsport on November 1, 1947, he was a son of the late JR and Sudie Cook Sumner. He spent many years living and working in the Washington DC area, Hagerstown, Md., and Johnson City before moving to Elizabethton 11 years ago.
John was self-employed and was of the Presbyterian faith. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted brother, uncle and friend who loved the outdoors and feeding wild birds.
A special thank you is extended to Anedith Willis and Patricia Callahan, who provided love and support prior to John’s death.
John is survived by his sister, Celia Kirby and husband, Sam, of Frederick, Md.; two nephews, Jason A. Kirby and wife, Becky, of Frederick, Md., and Bryce A. Kirby and wife, Kristie, of Thurmont, Md.; two great-nieces, Caitlyn A. Kirby and Courtney A. Kirby; many devoted cousins; and life-long friends, Charlie Miller and Ron Miller.
The family will receive friends on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. A memorial service will follow at 10 a.m. The Rev. Daniel S. Clark will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Please visit www.hamlettdobson.com to leave an online condolence for the family.
Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport, is serving the family of John Sumner.