Ron Sumner Obituary

Ron Sumner passed away in Porter, TX on March 31, 2016, at the age of 67. Ron was an All-Star athlete in baseball, football, and basketball at Rio Americano High School, Class of '67. He was preceded in death by his brother Vonnie Sumner (Rio Class of ''69). He is survived by his sisters Connie and Monnie and his brother Lonnie.

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Published by The Sacramento Bee on Apr. 10, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Ron Sumner

4 Entries

George Rogers

April 21, 2016

I just learned of about Ronnie passing away. Wow that picture of Ronnie sure brings back memories. Ronnie's name will always be carried on with your friends. He was one of my best friends growing up as he was to some many during his life. I first began hanging out with Ronnie when we were 12 years old. Mostly at his house then take off to go fishing; play baseball,football,basketball,BB gun hunting at the river or just goofing around. Ronnie had many good features then because of his up bringing as I got to know his brothers Lonnie and Vonnie and his sisters but mostly Lonnie and Vonnie (RIP). His dad and mom were really nice people as well. His dad was a real fan of Ronnie's and made Ronnie strive to the levels of greatness he did in sports. Ronnie like many of us grew up believing in constant practice so we all became better athletes during the same time periods. Ronnie was just better then most yet teamed up with others at Jonas Salk our 8th grade year to make up some combined good athletes into champions.I'll never forget a high school baseball game against Rio at Encina.I was the lead off hitter and short stop for the Apaches. Ronnie was pitching for Rio and was one of the best pitchers around which I already knew. He had a reputation as a flame thrower and some of my team mates were intimidated watching him warm up. Ronnie's dad was there as always from Little League on and he said hi to me which made feel pretty proud. After years of playing pick up, one on one back yard baseball until we were freshman going to different High Schools with Ronnie I knew he'd show me some heat on his first pitch. Fortunately I lined the first pitch right past him for a single into CF. Before his next pitch to the next batter Ronnie looked over at me and said with a smile, nice hit Manny. Manny was what my family called me. Ronnie and Pat Frost to Joe Vassar were the only guys to call me by my family nick name. That was Ronnie always willing to compliment a friend. Too many memories of Ronnie to list and his name is often brought up today when I talk to people who knew Ronnie growing up. A great guy with a big smile. Thank you Ronnie for making 3 years of my younger part of life the best I ever had along with the other kids we all grew up. He was one part many kids lives growing up and will never be forgotten. In the last decade I hooked up with Ronnie after decades of wondering what happen to him to find out his health was an issue. His sister took good care of him and he told me Moonie was his best friend. Moonie I salute you for looking after Roonie he was really proud of you.

RIP Ronnie.

Manny

Monterey, 1980

Gordon Smith

April 12, 2016

Sad to hearing of Ronnie's passing.
Ronnie was a very special friend to me and my family for many decades. We first met freshman year (1963) in PE class where "Sumner" stood behind "Smith" on the blacktop for alphabetical attendance roll. Our friendship really bonded when In the summer of 1964 when he and I both got motorcycles and spent many hot days riding all over Sacramento, Yolo, and El Dorado counties. I spent a lot of time at his house, hanging out, having a meal, and sleeping over. I remember his mom Delores, always insisting we boys have something to eat before we go, or her ritual good bye: you boys be careful on those motorcycles.
In 1964 Ronnie and I went to the Memorial Auditorium to see Chuck Berry and Roy Orbison. In 1965 went saw the Rolling Stones there. In my senior yearbook Ronnie inscribed; Gordon, I sure hope we can mess around together this summer. You're one of my best friends. Good luck, Ronnie. Well we messed around, hung out, went to concerts, shared a house and worked together as best friends for the many decades that followed.
I know his health had been failing in last few years, I am so grateful that Monnie Lou was there to love and care for him. I give my love to Monnie Lou, and the rest of the Sumner family.

April 10, 2016

My love and condolences go out to Ronnie's family. I am so saddened to hear of his passing as he was a very childhood special friend and boyfriend to me. This high school graduation picture shows the Ronnie I remember. I would watch every sporting event he participated in cheer him on. WHAT A GIFTED ATHLETE. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was such a good friend to so many. Rest in peace, Ronnie!

Don Sykes

April 10, 2016

RIP old friend. We shared a lot of good times together. Remember the Big Mama!

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