Talmage Lowery Sumrall

August 9, 1933 - January 11, 2022

Talmage Lowery Sumrall, 88, of Sandersville, Mississippi passed away at home in the care of his wife on Tuesday, January 11, 2022. He was born August 9, 1933, in Laurel, Mississippi and spent his childhood in Big Creek. In 1954, Lowery married Sarah Ann (Hardage) Sumrall and moved to Sandersville where they built their life together. He was a member of Sandersville Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, Chairman of Deacons, Sunday School Teacher, choir member, and on numerous committees throughout his 65 years of service. Lowery was a graduate of Soso High School, then he attended Jones County Junior College, Mississippi State University and the University of Southern Mississippi where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry. He spent time in South Carolina, Georgia, and Colorado in the service of the United States Army Signal Corps. While serving in the US Army and stationed in Colorado, Lowery developed an interest in photography that he pursued for the rest of his life. He said, “If you're a photographer, you have to take pictures.” Lowery was an avid learner throughout his life. After a 30 year career at Masonite Corporation, he studied photography, built a darkroom and lab in his home, and established Sum-R-All Photography with his wife. He and his “Ann” successfully ran the company for 23 years. They enjoyed traveling all over the South, establishing clients who were more like family. Papaw loved his family, who he always affectionately referred to as his “people.” He and Mimi spent countless hours watching their grandchildren and great-grandchildren doing the things they loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, Talmage L. and Dollie (Grantham) Sumrall and his sister, Heleneise (Sumrall) Jefcoat. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sarah Ann (Hardage) Sumrall; his brother, John L. Sumrall; and a sister Faye Joyce (Sumrall) Parker; children Jim Sumrall, Lea Lightsey (Mike), David Sumrall (Tracy), and Polly Armstrong (Rod); his grandchildren Keri Padgett (Ryan), Kris Lightsey (Brandy), Courtney Crager (Kyle), Casey Reid (Derek), Samantha Delk (Dalton); and 13 great-grandchildren: Jaylen & Kaden Padgett; Karsen, Kooper, & Hannah Kate Lightsey; Collin, Brantlee, & Ty Crager; Fischer, Tate, & Madelyn Reid; and Lexi & Ellie Delk. Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Visitation and funeral services will be held at Sandersville Baptist Church on Friday, January 14, 2022. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. and the service will follow at 12 noon with Bro. Paul Brashier and Bro. Wesley Page officiating. Interment will be at Sandersville Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ryan Padgett, Kris Lightsey, Kyle Crager, Derek Reid, Dalton Delk, Mark Robinson, Royce Blackledge, Jordan Rogers. To view and sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.