William Lee (Bill) Sumner |
| Posted 2008-08-11 by Judy Wight Branson |
| Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Sunday, November 29, 2005 William Lee Sumner, age 87, passed on Oct. 25, 2005, in Prescott Valley, his home for the past 15 years. He was born in Slaton, Texas, grew up in Albuquerque, N.M., met his wife Ruth Yarbrough of Breckenridge, Texas, and moved to Gallup, N.M., then settled in Phoenix in 1950. Bill, a Santa Fe Railroad brakeman over 30 years, retired as Yard Master out of Prescott's now historic Santa Fe Depot. In 1958, the family built a summer home in Walker. Bill and Ruth retired there and later to Prescott Valley. The favorite pastime for both was fishing and RVing across all 49 states, Canada and Mexico. They visited Hawaii, on their 50th anniversary. Bill and Ruth also traveled to young churches under construction, where Bill would labor while Ruth cooked to feed the workers. Loving Jesus, and telling others of His gift, was a life-long commitment. Bill was most proud of his marriage of 64 years to Ruth, and of his children and families: sons, Jon (Shari) of Walker and Mike (Diana) of Phoenix; daughter, Judy King (Ron) of Walker; five grandchildren, Toni, Traci, Brenda, Jon J. and Michael; and six great-great-grandchildren, Tommy, C.J., Justin, Heather, Wade and Kate. His sister, Ruby Mozelle Dean resides in Phoenix. Bill was proud also having been a deacon 30+ years and founding member of Mountain View Baptist Church of Dewey. He joins in Heaven wife, Ruth; parents, Frank and Ruth, three brothers, J.C., Frank, and Oren (17) killed on the Arizona in Pearl Harbor (all four brothers served in WWII) and granddaughter Toni. Bill was so loved and was loved by his church family. The family thanks his devoted pastor and friends that visited often and his loving caregivers. A celebration of Bill's life will be Dec. 3rd, at 11 a.m., at Mountain View Baptist Church, 395 S. Pony Place, Dewey. Pastors Chacko Varghese and Mike Taylor will preside. A light lunch and fellowship will follow. In lieu of flowers, gifts to a Christian charity are suggested. Information provided by survivors. |
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