James Cole Sumners

James Cole Sumners, 90, of Blanche, Tennessee, died Thursday (November 15, 2012) at Donalson Care Center in Fayetteville. Born September 6, 1922, he was a native of Lincoln County Tennessee, the son of the late Leon Eli and Clara Mae Cole Sumners. Mr. Sumners was a member of the Blanche United Methodist Church. He made his career in farming and stayed active in his farming operation until his health failed during the last two years. Mr. Sumners also drove a school bus for the Lincoln County School System for 33 years. He was a veteran of the US Army serving during WW II, a former ASCD County Committeeman, loan committee member with Farmers Home Administration and a past director in the Lincoln Farmers Co-op. Tending his cattle, reminiscing about the past, and telling stories about his boyhood days growing up in Coldwater, TN were some of his favorite activities. In addition to his parents, Mr. Sumners was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah Opal Whitt Sumners and a younger brother, Ray Sumners. He is survived by two brothers Thomas Wilburn Sumners of Fayetteville, TN and Marcus Neal Sumners of Hendersonville, TN; four sons, James C. Sumners, Jr., (Marianna), Danny R. Sumners (Teresa), Donny M. Sumners (Jackie) all of Blanche, TN and Benny J. Sumners (Kathy) of Toney, AL, two grandchildren Faith Sumners Hayes of Murfreesboro, TN and Jonathan Sumners of Fayetteville, TN, four step-grandchildren, Stephen, Gary, and Jason Turner and Dana Wright; six step-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Higgins Funeral Home with Rev. William Moede officiating. Burial will follow in Blanche Cemetery beside his wife Sarah Opal Whitt Sumners. Visitation with the family will be Saturday evening 5-8 p.m. at Higgins Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Blanche United Methodist Church Building Fund.