James Charles Sumner

James Charles Sumner, 77, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Sandra Harris Sumner, entered into eternal rest Saturday, May 16, 2015. His Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, May 20, 2015 in Harbor View Presbyterian Church, 900 Harbor View Road, at 2:00 p.m. Interment, Holy Cross Cemetery. A celebration of his life will follow at the James Island Yacht Club, 734 Wampler Drive, Charleston SC 29412; those unable to attend the services are welcome to visit with the family there beginning approximately at 3:30 p.m. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Downtown Chapel.

Charles loved everyone with whom he came in contact and was humble in his acceptance of their love in return. He was born April 9, 1938 in Jackson, North Carolina, to Charlie and Josie Lassiter Sumner, the sixth child of ten children born on a working family farm in North Hampton County growing peanuts, cotton, various crops and livestock. He was affectionately known as "Shug," by all who loved him in NC. Diagnosed with rheumatic fever as a child, he spent months under medical care at Duke, and was released to his mother who was told he would not make it to adulthood. Charles fought his way to good health and he and his seven brothers and two sisters worked every day from sunrise to sunset on the family farm. This childhood provided a foundation of a strong work ethic, the ability to grow all types of crops, and the skills to repair most anything.

Charles began his professional life in Atlanta, Georgia where he worked in sales for Lorillard. He met the love of his life, Sandra Ann Harris of Doraville, one evening in February of 1959 at the Varsity in Atlanta. A persuasive man, he married her on July 3, 1959. He served in the United States Army from 1961-1963 and the Army Reserves for several years following.

Raising their two young children, Charles and Sandra moved to Charleston, SC in 1974. Charles became a member of the James Island Yacht Club, where he fished, shrimped, and picnicked with his family. He was an active member of his community and his neighborhood, always generous with his time to repair a lawnmower or to supervise a home improvement project. Charles spent many hours volunteering his skills for Harbor View Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder, and also at Stiles Point Elementary and James Island Charter High School, where his children attended.

Charles had a very active men's club that met each Monday evening, providing support through the years and many laughs. After experiencing medical challenges, Charles spent time visiting heart patients providing comfort and encouragement. He retired from Lorillard after a rewarding career and maintained lifelong relationships with his colleagues. In retirement Charles enjoyed spending time with his wife, two children, four grandchildren, and his many friends and dear neighbors.

Charles is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Sandra; son, Todd Harris Sumner and his wife, Toni; daughter, Amanda Aydin; son-in-law, Ali; four grandchildren, Charles Harris Sumner, Anna Meryem Aydin, John Alexander Aydin, and Jack Sumner Aydin; brothers, Ted Sumner (Rose), Clemmons Sumner (Linda), Leroy Sumner (Sandra), and David Sumner (Irmgard); and his beloved sister, Mattie Sumner Morgan. He also leaves behind many dear nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his father-in-law, Malvin J. Harris, and much loved mother-in-law, Frances G. Harris; brothers Everett Sumner, Lonnie Sumner, Edward Sumner; and sister, Bernice Sumner Lynch.

The family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses that kept him with us far longer than would have been possible without their loving care, with a special thanks to Dr. Keith Lackey and the kind and gracious staff of Roper Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Harbor View Presbyterian Church, 900 Harbor View Road, Charleston, SC, 29412.