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Family-Placed Death Notice
SUMERALL, Paul Paul Maass Sumerall, 58, of Long Beach California, formerly of Caile, passed away Thursday, December 20, 2012, at his home. He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Sumerall; his three sons, Harrison Sumerall (Kathi), Alexander Sumerall and William Sumerall; his mother, Maria Sumerall; and his two sisters, Mia Terrell (Johnnie) and Diane Green (Hal). He was preceded in death by his father, Randolph Sumerall; and his brother, Randy Sumerall. Paul was a 1972 graduate of Indianola Academy, where he served as Student Council President. He continued his education, earning his bachelor's degree from Millsaps College and his master's degree from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. After college, Paul served in the Peace Corps in Tunisia where he met his wife, who was also serving as an English teacher. Paul achieved many professional accomplishments in his lifetime, but he always considered his family to be his greatest accomplishment and pleasure. Paul loved to travel and to see the world. For the better part of his career, he was involved in banking, which took him throughout Europe, Russia and Africa. He most recently worked as managing director of Merchants Bank of California. Paul had a true gift for recognizing talent and encouraging people to realize their potential. Paul was not motivated by recognition, but by the satisfaction of a job well done. His philosophy was to leave a place better than he found it. Having succeeded in that goal, we say goodbye to him in this world and look forward to him welcoming us in the next. His generosity and devotion to the common good were always his defining characteristics. Paul will always be remembered for his humility and empathy. His legacy lives on through those who knew and loved him and a little piece of Paul will always exist within the souls of each person he touched. "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded." - Ralph Waldo Emerson. The family will receive visitors Friday, December 28th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Burton Funeral Home in Indianola, and from 12:00 until the 1:00 pm funeral service at Caile Methodist Church, Saturday, December 29, 2012. Burial will follow at Wright-Miller Family Cemetery in Caile.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
We're thinking of you during the holiday season. All the best, Maja
Maja Wessels
December 22, 2013
Dear Nancy, I have often thought of the two of you since our days at SAIS, and was very sad to read of Paul's passing in the JHU magazine. As others have said, and you knew well, Paul was a great guy. Janet's and my thoughts are with you and your family. Murray Smith (Englewood NJ)
June 14, 2013
Dear Nancy, I just learned of Paul's death from the Johns Hopkins alumni magazine. I am so, so sorry. I was telling my husband today what a wonderful guy Paul was; so friendly and caring--he always had a smile on his face. And you both were such a wonderful couple. Those were fun times and it sounds as though you, your sons and Paul had some exciting years together since SAIS. My heartfelt condolences go out to you all. I'm including my e-mail address in case you want to get in touch. All the best, Maja Wessels ([email protected])
Maja Wessels
June 9, 2013
My condoleances to Nancy and his children. I knew Paul for over 30 years in various lives: in Africa in the Peace Corps, later in grad school back in the US, subsequently in Europe where we were both bankers. He certainly was a rare breed in banking--a giver, not a taker; more a listener than a talker; and quietly deprecrating both of himself and of the things of this world. Would that more of us were like him. I have planted a tree in commemoration.
robert manderscheid
April 29, 2013
Dear Nancy and family,
We are close friends of Mia and Johnnie. Knowing them has been a joy for over 20 years - while we have not met, our heartfelt sympathy goes to you all at this time. May your love and family and friends give you strength at this time and always. Barbara, Gary, and Lauren Thomas
Gary Thomas
January 4, 2013
Dear Nancy and family,
I am so sorry and sad to hear of Paul's passing. I hope that prayers will help to give you strength while grieving.
Julia Krebs
December 31, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for all of you. The world has lost a wonderful man.
Laura and Cal Jenness
December 29, 2012
To Nancy and family:
We are sorry to learn of the passing of Paul, but are proud and grateful to him (and you) for serving our nation as Peace Corps Volunteers.
Our sincere condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association
December 28, 2012
We are so saddened by this news, Nancy.
Sending Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Diane and Sam Hooker
December 28, 2012
My condolences to the Boyer family. Please find some comfort with God because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6,7)
codie
December 27, 2012
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Burton Funeral Home - Indianola634 Highway 82 West PO Box 946, Indianola, MS 38751
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