Elbert Eugene "Gene" Sumner, 74 of St. Marys, GA passed away at UF Health N in Jacksonville, FL on January 19, 2025.

Gene was born on April 14th, 1950 in Adel, Ga to the late Ralph Sumner and the late Linnie Champion Sumner.

After serving his country as a Marine in Vietnam, Gene met India and immediately knew they would be together forever and they married 3 months later and went on to spend the next 50 years happily married. They passed the time raising their two children, traveling the country on the Goldwing with friends and were later blessed with five grandchildren who he loved more than anything. (He later traded the Goldwing in for the red golf cart that everyone knows so well.) If you ever had the pleasure of meeting Gene, please know he thought of you as a friend. He made a point to get to know the life story of everyone that he spent time with and was the most generous and loving man. He was known as "Papa" Gene to many and treated everyone like his own family. He will be deeply missed by all.

He is survived by his wife India Bullard Sumner, children; Frank Sumner and wife Mega, Kim Yarborough and husband David. Grandchildren; Isaiah, Emalee and Sarah Sumner. Tyler Yarborough and wife Amanda and Rylee Yarborough.  Siblings; Maggie Newman, Shirley Friend and husband Ed. Sister in laws; Cheryl Sumner, Barb Sumner, Lu Bullard. Brother in law; Bill Bullard and wife Lydia. And numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gene was preceded in death by two brothers, Steve Sumner and Carlton Sumner.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Allison Memorial Chapel on Saturday January 25, 2025 at 11:00 am. The family will be receiving friends and family from 10:00 to 11:00.

Allison Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.