James Edwin Sumner, Jr.

James “Bud” Edwin Sumner, Jr., 94, a devoted family man and self-employed farmer, passed away peacefully at his son’s residence in Chula, Georgia, on Thursday, December 19, 2024.  

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Macedonia Baptist Church with Rev. Cory Thompson officiating. Eulogy will be given by James Thompson. Interment will follow in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Albritton Funeral Directors. 

David Farmer, Dustin Farmer, Hank Sumner, Clark Sumner, John David Johnson, Garrett Sumner, John Henry Sumner, Waylon Sumner and Wyatt Chandler will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Winfred Dowdy, Bubba Townson and Beau Towson.  

He was known for his deep connection to the land and his passion for farming, where he enjoyed cultivating his crops and raising cows. Living in the countryside brought Bud immense joy, and he embraced the simplicity and fulfillment that rural life offered. 

Bud was a dedicated member of Macedonia Baptist Church, where he had formerly served as a deacon and held many positions during his lifetime. His service to the church was one of his proudest accomplishments, reflecting his commitment to his beliefs, his desire to lead by example and sharing his faith with others. 

He is survived by his loving family, which includes his son and daughter-in-law, Ronnie and Becky Sumner; two daughters and son-in-law, Jane and Gary Farmer and Kathy Moran. James took great pride in his grandchildren: Hank and Amy Sumner, Clark and Ashley Sumner, Gay and Rodney Chandler, Kay and David Burton, David Farmer, Dustin and Vanesa Farmer, Johnna and Bryan Bridges, and John David and Teri Johnson. Additionally, he leaves behind twenty great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, all of whom were sources of joy in his life. Bud is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Burrell and Debra Sumner, as well as his sisters, Dianne Carr and Joy E. Schmitt. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, June Evelyn Busbin Sumner to whom he was married to for sixty-eight years at the time of her death on September 19, 2017, his father, James E. Sumner, Sr.; his mother, Ruby Clayton Sumner; and his three sisters, Jackie Shearer, Jeanette Shaw and June Pitts.

 As we remember James “Bud” Edwin Sumner, Jr., we honor a man whose life was rich in love, faith, and dedication to his family and community. His legacy will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Flowers accepted or donations may be made to Macedonia Baptist Church, C/O Pam Haire, 1229 Waterloo Hwy, Chula, Ga. 31733 or Hospice of Tift Area, PO Box 747, Tifton, Ga. 31793.

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.