Rev Russell H. Sumner

Rev. Russell Sumner, age 89, resident of Cleveland, TN, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, April 29, 2008. He passed away at his home with his loving wife and family by his side. He was a member of the North Cleveland Church of God. He was an ordained minister in the Church of God for over 60 years. He started 32 churches during his ministry. He served as State Overseer for the Church of God for 12 years. He was chairman of the board of School of Theology for eight years. He was preceded in death by his parents,Lela and Jon Sumner , one brother, J.D. Sumner, (worlds lowest bass singer), one sister, Bernice Thompson.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Nell Sumner, his daughter Sharon, one son, Donnie; four grandchildren, Jeff, Robin, Chris and Jessica. Seven great grandchildren; one sister, Myrtis Matthews, Nashville, TN.

A celebration of the life of Rev. Sumner will be held Friday, May 2, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at North Cleveland Church of God with Dr. Ray H. Hughes, Pastor Mitch Maloney, Rev. Julian Robinson and Harold Woodard officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens with Bob Reffner, Eugene Adkins, Greg Adkins, Rocky Adkins, Jeff Sumner and Mike Coupe serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends Thursday, May 01, 2008, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the North Cleveland Church of God.

Arrangements are being handled by Grissom Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.grissomfh.net