Charles Clayton Sumrall

Charles Clayton Sumrall, 89 years old, went to be with Jesus on May 26, 2024, after a long illness with kidney disease at Forrest General Hospital. He leaves his wife, Mildred, of 63 years; two daughters, Charlotte Christian (Robert); Dr. Chrystal Sumrall (David Clapp); two grandsons, Clayton Christian and Charlie Sumrall; and brother, Tommy Sumrall (Elaine); a host of other relatives and friends. Charles’ parents were Cecil and Verlie Sumrall. Charles was a member of First Baptist Church of Shady Grove, and an ordained deacon. At age 7, Charles was awarded the young Christian Service Award by the State of Alabama. Charles and his dad were instrumental in organizing the Big Creek District Galileans. Charles was a member of Knights of Pithion, and the Windmill Gazette. Charles was an outstanding contractor, having remodeled the Laurel City Hall, Laurel Rogers Museum, and numbers of homes in Laurel. Charles worked many years as a V.A. and F.H.A. inspector. Charles was known for his work with William Wallace at Ready Freddy Car Wash in Heidelberg and Laurel. Charles graduated in 1955-56 at Shady Grove High School, being elected as Mr. Shady Grove, most likely to succeed, and an all-star football player receiving a scholarship to Jones Junior College and USM. Charles dropped out of USM to go in business for himself as a contractor, Sumrall Construction Company. Charles completed building technologies at USM under the late Red Hinton. After retiring, Charles joined the city of Laurel as building official for 19 years. After this retirement, Charles and Mildred traveled all 50 states twice, 14 European countries, and the holy land before he became ill, canceling their travels. Charles recently restored a 1930 Sears Roebuck windmill. Charles enjoyed watching it turn. Services will be held at Memory Chapel Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, with visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 am, and service beginning at 11:00 am. Burial will take place at Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Chris Sledge will officiate. Patty Armour will play How Great Thou Art on violin. Pallbearers will be Chance Hicks, Reggie Shoemaker, Steve Armour, Ed Harper, and Larry Don Jones. Honorary pallbearers will be Doctors Robert Walters, Bounds, Bitar Ross, Leader, Rose, Habeeb, Lindsey, Quelo, Lott, Moore, Windham, Morrison, Hester, Wilkerson, Miller, Dugus, Borganelli, and Berry. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.memorychapellaurel.com

Charles Clayton Sumrall

March 1, 1935 - May 26, 2024