Donald Arthur Sumrall Sr.

Donald Arthur Sumrall Sr, age 87, passed away at his home in Canaveral Groves, Florida on November 3, 2024. He was born on July 10, 1937 in Hattiesburg Mississippi, to James Wilmer Sumrall and Pauline “Polly” Jamie Sumrall. He graduated high school at Bogalusa LA and then gained his Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) License and Aircraft Mechanic’s Licenses. He served in the New Orleans LA National Guard before moving back to Hattiesburg MS and starting his own business; Sumrall’s Air Service, consisting of Air Charters for remote hunting and fishing locations combined with a Pilot Flight School. He began flying seaplanes in 1969 which led to a career at Antilles Airboats in the US Virgin Islands, then Chalks International Airline in Miami, where he became Chief Pilot and Director of Maintenance. He then flew powerline patrol in partnership with his brother James “Jimmy” Wilmer Jr., for Mississippi Power and Light for the remainder of his career.

The highlight of his life was when he and Pat lived on their motor sailor and travelled the Caribbean for several years. Post travel, he worked at First Baptist Church located in Sumrall MS and had a small shop where he worked on his passion for Sprint Car Racing with the Cajun Sprinters Association until he was 70, winning numerous trophies’ including competing in 135 races strait.

He is survived by his wife, Patsy Ruth, 87, who he married on September 13, 1958, his oldest son Donald Arthur Sumrall Jr, 64 (Christine), grandson Christopher John (Leslie) great Grandchildren Caleb and Carissa, grandson Dustin Robert, granddaughter Jennifer Denise and great grandchildren Carter and Avery. Also, his youngest Son Daniel Robert, 63 (Tammy) granddaughter Katie, great grandchildren Eli and Isabelle.

You have made me laugh, wiped my tears, hugged me tight, watched my success, seen me fail and kept me strong. You are a promise I will have a forever friend.

Love, Pat

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to Make-A- Wish, Shriners and/or St. Jude Foundations; https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give.