SFC (Ret.) Gerald M. Sumner, Sr., 86, of Columbus, Georgia passed away on Monday, December 24, 2018. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 11:00 AM in Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby, Columbus, Georgia with Reverend Bud Rupel and Reverend Paul Thomas officiating. Visitation will be at 10:30 AM until time of the service. Burial will follow in Parkhill Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Covenant Fellowship Sunday School Class Fund at Evangel Temple Assembly of God, 5350 Beallwood Connector, Columbus, GA 31904. Mr. Sumner was born on July 23, 1932 in San Diego, California to the late Myrtle Carter Sumner and Marvin Sumner. He faithfully served his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. Mr. Sumner retired after over 23 years of faithful service. He would continue to work through civil service at Fort Benning with DOIM Telephone Operations until his retirement. Mr. Sumner was a long time member of Evangel Temple Assembly of God Church where he served in many areas of the church, from visiting the sick and home bound to ushering on Sundays. Mr. Sumner was a strong, dedicated, compassionate man who loved his Lord and Savior, his family and country. He loved playing his harmonica for everyone. Mr. Sumner will be greatly missed by all who knew and especially loved him. He leaves his legacy to his wife, Irene Sumner; daughter, Vicki Belisle; son, Gerald M. “Jerry” Sumner, Jr. (Linda), daughter, Eugenia “Gena” Sumner; son, Michael R. Hobson, daughter, Carol Quinn (Kevin), daughter, Esther Friel (Garry), daughter, Mary E. Faaola (Sunu); twelve grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; brothers: Herman Sumner and Dale Sumner; numerous other relatives and friends. To leave words of comfort and share fond memories please visit www.shcolumbus.com.