J R Sumter

Services for Henry William “J R” Sumter, Jr. will be 10:00a.m. Monday, December 22, 2014 at New Life Baptist Church, burial will follow at Oakhaven Memorial Gardens under the direction of MMS-Payne Funeral Home. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Sunday, December 21, 2014 from 1pm—6pm with family receiving visitors from 4pm—6pm. J R passed away on Friday, December 19, 2014 at the age of 83.
Henry William “J R” Sumter, Jr. was born December 27, 1930 in Claremore, Oklahoma to Henry William Sumter, Sr. and Hazel Ida “Eagleton” Sumter. J R was the 5th child out of 12, (6 boys and 6 girls). A family of farmers, J R began at an early age knowing the meaning of a hard day’s work. Though he loved the farming life, he began working for a local grocery store after his father sold their farm. He worked for the Piggly Wiggly and later Safeway. He never strayed far from the rural life; J R loved raising cattle and gardening. On January 8, 1950 he married Betty DeNoyer and this union was blessed with 3 children. On May 6, 1967 J R married Barbara Wells and a daughter blessed this union.
Hunting, fishing, playing the guitar and singing were among the many hobbies he enjoyed. J R was most passionate about sharing the word of the Lord. He was saved at the age of 16 and began preaching at Sageeyah Baptist Church. He pastored many churches including Talala Baptist, Lone Elm, Condry Chapel as well as many different churches in Texas. His last church was in Chelsea; Good News Tabernacle. He retired when Alzheimer’s started to affect his memory.
Those family members that survive include his wife Barbara of their home in Chelsea; his children Lloyd Sumter of Salina, Debra Gorham of Neosho, Linda Childers and husband Richard of Claremore and Dana Hagerman and husband Tony of Chelsea; his brother Kenneth Sumter and wife Margaret of Claremore; his sisters Imogene Hale and husband Glenn, Mildred Fishback, Dorothy Bump all of Claremore and Naomi Horton of Pennsylvania; 7 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren and 1 due in March and 1 great-great grandson due in February; numerous nieces and nephews and special longtime friend Calvin Casey of Missouri as well as many other relatives and friends and the staff of Autumn Wood, who lovingly took such great care of him. J R was preceded in death by his parents 4 brothers, 2 sisters, mother and father-in-law, 6 brothers-in-law and 1 sister-in-law.
View and sign J R’s online tribute at www.mmsfuneralhomes.com