Phillip "Paul" Sumner

Phillip “Paul” Sumner of Opelika, AL, went home to be with the Lord on January 5, 2019. Paul will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, son, nephew, and friend.

            Paul enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and serving others anyway he could. Paul was active in the community and served many leadership roles over his lifetime. He was a deacon at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood, AL. He served as the President of the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce as well a member of the Chamber Board for many years. Paul was very active in the lives of his children and took part in nearly every activity they partook in including being a cheer dad for the numerous years his daughter Caroline cheered, coaching both sons in little league baseball, and often traveling with his oldest son around the south to take him to golf tournaments. Paul was also a former owner of “Principle Mortgage, L.L.C.” in Vestavia Hills, AL.

            Paul is preceded in death by his brothers, Andrew Eugene Sumner, John Leavelle Jr., and Matthew Leavelle. He is survived by his two sons, Christian Gage Sumner (24) of Vestavia Hills, AL, Conner Grant Sumner (21) of Vestavia Hills, AL, his daughter Caroline Alise Sumner (20) of Vestavia Hills, AL, Shelley Boothe Sumner of Vestavia Hills, AL, his father Ronald Sumner of Opelika, AL, his mother Nancy Bauernfeind of Myrtle Beach, SC, his sister Kimble Sumner of Opelika, AL, and many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

            Pallbearers will include some of Paul’s close friends. Gage Sumner, Conner Sumner, Norm Winston, Henry Ware, Roger Steur, Adam Stoffregen, Tommy Coggin, and Brian Ray. Visitation with the family will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at First Baptist Church of Opelika followed by a celebration of Paul’s life at 1:00 pm. Dr. Rusty Sowell will be officiating.