Forrest Sumner

Carl "Forrest" Sumner, 70, of Thomasville, Georgia, passed away at home surrounded by his family on August 27, 2025. Born on March 17, 1955, Forrest grew up in Thomas County and graduated from Thomas County Central High School, where he proudly played football. He went on to attend Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, earning a degree in forestry and fire science.

Forrest dedicated 31 years of his life to service through forestry and public safety. He began his career with the Forestry Commission in Thomasville and later served as District Ranger for Georgia Forestry Commission District 9. His commitment to helping others extended beyond Georgia when he served with GEMA during Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Deeply devoted to his community, Forrest served on the Thomasville Recreation Advisory Board for 24 years, including several years as chairman. He spent countless hours coaching Little League and mentoring youth through the YMCA. He was also one of the founding members of the Dugout Club at Thomasville High School, where he served as president from 1999 to 2000, faithfully supporting the school and its student-athletes. In addition to his civic service, Forrest shared his faith by teaching a teenage Sunday School class for several years, impacting the lives of many young people.

After his retirement, Forrest enjoyed working as a guide at Rio Piedra, where he shared his love of the outdoors. He also had a passion for English cockers, which he bred and trained with great pride, selling his dogs to families and sportsmen across the country.

Forrest was preceded in death by his father, Carl Sumner of Thomasville, and his stepfather, Floyd Taylor of Pavo. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Mabel Oade Sumner of Thomasville; his children, Corey (Lori) Sumner of Thomasville and Kelli Sumner of Missoula, Montana; and his grandchildren, Emily and Preston Sumner of Thomasville. He is also survived by his mother, Pauline Taylor of Pavo, Georgia; his brother, Joey (Tammy) Sumner of Thomasville; and his sister, Carolyn (Ben) Hoover of Thomasville.

Forrest's life was one of service, generosity, faith, and devotion to his family and community. He found joy in the woods, on the water, and in the kennel, where he shared his love of hunting, fishing, and dogs with others. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched on the ballfields, in his church, in his career, and in the many friendships and families who carry memories of his English cockers.

The family would like to thank the many friends, neighbors, and caregivers who showed love, kindness, and support during Forrest's illness and final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thomasville YMCA in his memory.

Funeral Services will be held at Whiddon Shiver Funeral Home on Saturday - August 30, 2025 at 2:00 pm with Rev. John Rainey officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel.