AHOSKIE – Lawrence Raleigh Sumner, age 83, of Union died Saturday, July 9, 2011 doing what he loved to do, working in his garden.

Mr. Sumner was born on February 18, 1928 in Hertford County, a son of the late John Lawrence, Jr. and Emma Britton Sumner.  He was a member of St. Johns Baptist Church, and a former member of the Union Volunteer Fire Department.  Lawrence was retired from the NC DOT and was a farmer.  He was an army veteran of the Korean Conflict.

Left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Kim Sumner of Union; his son, Kenneth Sumner of Lewiston Woodville; and his sisters, Margaret Howard of Fuquay-Varina and Frances Barnhill of Enfield, NC.

Besides his parents, Lawrence was predeceased by his wife, Ellen Horton Sumner; and his daughter, Sharon Sumner.

A visitation for Mr. Sumner will be held at Garrett-Jones Funeral Home on Tuesday evening, July 12, from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m., and the family will receive friends other times at the home.

A celebration of life service will be conducted at Garrett-Jones Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 13, 2011, with the Rev. Woody Copeland officiating.  Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens.   Flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made to St. Johns Baptist Church, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Family and friends may send condolences and sign the online guestbook by visiting www.garrettjonesfh.com.