Willie Sumter, aka “Bobby” was born April 12, 1940, in Sumter, and was the son of the late James and Beatrice Graham Sumpter. Bobby was educated in the public schools of Sumter County. He spent time in Philadelphia and later moved to New York City, where he spent most of his adult life before relocating back to his hometown of Sumter, SC in May 2019. He loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed walking around his neighborhood in New York City. He walked to the corner store every morning to get coffee and the morning newspaper. He was well-known and loved in his community; he was affectionately called Mr. Willie. He attended building association meetings and supported his community advocates. He liked football, sweets, crossword puzzles, and watching political commentary. In the evenings, if he wasn't watching an old western, he would sit on his couch and listen to the blues; he was quiet and a deep thinker. Willie “Bobby” Sumter loving memories will be cherished by: his children, Diane Sumpter of Sumter, USAF Retired Master Sergent Willie S. Sumpter of Sumter, and Renee L. Johnson of Tacoma, Washington; four grandchildren, Chenika Sumpter, Brandon McGill, Brandon Elliott and Bella Camara; brothers, Earline Gillis of Dalzell, Harmon (Elizabeth) Sumpter of Sumter, John E. (Mary) Sumpter of Brooklyn, N.Y, Joe Nathan (Bessie) Sumpter of Winston Salem, N.C, Kizer Sumpter of Dalzell, Michael L. (Rosa) Sumpter of Dalzell, and a host of special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was proceeded in death by his parents, James and Beatrice Sumpter and three brothers. In accordance with the COVID 19 guidelines, the family is requesting that face masks and social distancing be observed by relatives and friends during visitation at the home of his son, 3080 Herbal Way, Sumter. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a. m., Monday, February 6, 2023 in the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel, Williams Funeral Home, Inc., 821 North Main Street, Sumter, with the Rev. William Jefferson, Officiating, Eulogist. The procession will leave the home at 10:30 a. m. Burial will follow in the Joshua Baptist Church Yard Cemetery, 5200 Live Oak Road, Dalzell.
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