Paul E. Sumner

Paul E. Sumner, 75, former tax commissioner of Lowndes County, died on Sunday, June 18, 2006 at his residence after a lengthy illness. He was born on December 3, 1930, during the Great Depression to Herman and Elizabeth Sumner. After graduating from Hahira High School, he joined the United States Air Force on July 7, 1948, and served his country in the foreign lands of Iran and Korea.

On June 6, 1954 he married Janice Carolyn Hall of Hahira and moved away to Keesler Field in Ocean Springs, MS. After relocating to Moody Field in Valdosta from Ocean Springs and Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, he retired from the Air Force after twenty years of loyal service to his country on April 1, 1969, the birthday of his beloved wife. Upon retirement he received the United States Air Force Commendation Medal along with other ribbons earned during his tour of duty.

In 1976, he was elected the Lowndes County Tax Commissioner. The Honorable Paul E. Sumner served the citizens of Lowndes County until July 13, 1999, the longest serving Tax Commissioner in the History of Lowndes County. He won the Lowndes County Liberty Bell Award, the Tax Commissioner’s President Award, and was selected as Tax Commissioner of the year for the Great State of Georgia in the years of 1988 and 1977.

A faithful husband, father, and servant of the people of Lowndes County, he made a positive impact on others in a personal and professional way. He was a constant source of strength and encouragement to friends, loved ones, and all those who were fortunate enough to cross his path.

He was also a member of First Baptist Church and the Hahira Masonic Lodge for 52 years. He was a former Kiwanian, a member of the Historical Society, the American Legion, and was an avid Valdosta Wildcat Football Fan.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jan Hall Sumner of Valdosta; sons and daughters-in-law, Steve H. and Marsha Sumner of Lynn Haven, FL, David J. and Alison Jones Sumner of Valdosta, Scott P. and Sandy Bridges Sumner of Hahira; grandchildren, Sam Sumner, Grace Sumner and Will Sumner all of Lynn Haven, Meridith Sumner and Morgan Sumner of Valdosta, Stewart Sumner and Sarah Sumner of Hahira; a special sister and brother-in-law, Beth and Randall McClellan of Valdosta and sister and brother-in-law, Margaret (Boots) and Elmer Blansfield of Bear, DE; brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert T. and Rosalyn Sumner of Lake Park, Roy A. and Doris Sumner of Valdosta, Carroll J. and Melinda Sumner of Roxboro, NC; numerous nieces and nephews and a special caregiver and family friend, Salista McCutchin of Lakeland. He was preceded in death by his father, Willie Herman Sumner and his mother, Elizabeth Sumner Martin and his stepfather, Frank Martin.


Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at First Baptist Church with Rev. Mac Weaver and Rev. Clyde Stokes officiating. Burial will follow at Bethany Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Georgia Sheriff’s Boys Ranch, 5671 GA Hwy 122 E
Hahira, GA 31632-2025 or the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta, 3628 Lake Laurie Dr
Valdosta, GA 31605-7925. Condolences to the family may be conveyed on the obituary page at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602