Darrel Sumner

Darrel Sumner, 77 of North Little Rock, AR, formerly of Lenox, GA passed away on December 11, 2024 at the home of his daughter, Darrah (Sumner) Love and son in law Daniel Love.

Darrel was born on December 6, 1947 in Lenox, Georgia to Homer N. Sumner and Leila Mae Sumner (Dorminey). Darrel grew up in Adel, Georgia attending elementary thru high school there. Darrel attended Cook High School and was quarterback on their football team until he graduated high school. Darrel was drafted and fought in the Vietnam War. After the war he traveled to many different countries and was then stationed in Jacksonville, Arkansas where he met his bride, they were happily married for 37 years. He served 20 years in the US Air Force. After retiring from the Air Force, Darrel went on to obtain his degree at Pikes Peak Community College. He then went to teach Aviation Mechanics at SAU in Camden, Arkansas and Pulaski Technical College in North Little Rock, AR for 18 years. He also obtained his Water Treatment License in Camden, Arkansas and was over the maintenance and cleaning of Camden’s pools. He was a licensed A & P Mechanic and had an Inspection Authorization for airplanes. He and his wife Barbara Diane Sumner (Chilldres) were also foster parents for 10 plus years.

Darrel was preceded in death by his loving wife of 37 years, Barbara Diane Sumner; parents, twin brother Jarrel Sumner, brothers, Kennon, Charles Waymon, Carlton and sister, Barbabra Jo Sumner.

Darrel is survived by his daughter Darrah (Daniel) Love of North Little Rock, Arkansas; 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and a great number of friends.

Darrel’s family would like to extend eternal appreciation to Paula Love, Courtney Hart, Agalia Talbert and Jasmine Alleyne for being such amazing caregivers and helpers to his family during the last year and half. Also want to thank Teen Love, Renee Christopher, Craig Schaap, Shelly Coleman, Shamelda Aikens, Emily Broome and Eddie Davis all from Gentiva Hospice for taking such good care of my dad and always making him smile. Also, to longtime friend/adopted brother Dale Weber, thank you so much being by his side thru the years. Also, for being there for his daughter, Darrah, during the loss of her mother, sister and now father.

Visitation and service will be held at First Pentecostal Church of North Little Rock, AR on December 21, 2024. Visitation will be 11am and funeral will follow at 12pm. Burial will be Monday, December 23, 2024 at North Little Rock Veterans Cemetery at 12pm.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR  72114.  501-758-1170.