Steven Wayne Sumner

Steven Wayne Sumner left this earth March 24, 2026 on a beautiful spring day after a brief illness. He was born March 11, 1964 and adopted by his loving parents, Wayne and Nancy Sumner. Along with sister Amy, the Sumners were faithful members of Taylors First Baptist Church.

Steve started playing sports at a young age - basketball at Taylors First Baptist, football at Taylors Falcons and baseball at Northwood Little League. He was a standout at Eastside High School, lettering in both football and baseball. He was named MVP Offensive Linesman and All Region Baseball.

Steve accepted a full scholarship to Appalachian State and played as offensive guardsman under Coach Mack Brown for two years. He transferred to the University of South Carolina and graduated from the USC School of Law in 1992.

From 1992 to 1994, Steve served as a state prosecutor. He opened his own practice in Greenville as a criminal defense attorney in 1997 and was joined by valued partner and friend, Scott Todd, in 2020. Steve was been recognized as a Super Lawyer for DUI Defense for 14 years in a row, and made the Best Lawyers list for DUI Defense for 12 consecutive years including being named Lawyer of the Year three times.

Steve was the proud father of Elizabeth and Will. In 2004, he married his best friend, life partner and love of his life, Janet Roberson Sumner.

Steve and Janet traveled extensively, enjoyed lazy days at Lake Cherokee with their beloved lab, Coco, chased big trout all over the country, and loved going to movies. Steve will be remembered as a larger-than-life personality, who loved fiercely, worked relentlessly and gave generously.

Steve is survived by his wife, Janet Sumner; children, Elizabeth Fager (Matt) and Will Sumner (Ally); granddaughter, Molly Fager; sister, Amy Brickle; sisters-in-law, Jayroe Wurst (Brian) and Julie Wolfe; brother-in-law, James Roberson (Catherine); nieces, Brianna Brickle, Caroline Wolfe, Samantha Wilson (Stephen), Anna Roberson; nephews, Ben Brickle (Xander), Michael Wurst, Jake Wolfe and William Roberson.

A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown. A reception will immediately follow the service at the Poinsett Club from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Soteria, 210 Shaw St, Greenville, SC 29609. Or FAVOR, 355 Woodruff Rd #303, Greenville, SC 29607.

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