Lawrence R. "Ray" Sumrall

Lawrence R. ""Ray"" Sumrall, age 84, of Gulfport passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2012 in Gulfport.
Mr. Sumrall was a retired Sergeant First Class in the United States Army. He was Prisoner of War during the Korean War. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, and several other distinguished metals. He was a life member of American Ex-Prisoner of War Organization and American Legion Post 119. In Huntsville, AL he was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason of the Helion Lodge #1, a Shriner in the Cahaba Shrine, and a Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star.
He was a member of Michael Memorial Baptist Church in Gulfport and he retired from the Biloxi VA.
He was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Peggy Sumrall Norris; wife, Patsy Myrick Sumrall; sister, Mary Louise Tompkins; brothers, Douglas Andrew Sumrall and Robert Blackledge Sumrall; and parents, Lawrence Pleasington Sumrall and Viola Beatrice Tucker Sumrall.
Survivors include his children, Alan (Billi) Sumrall of Gulfport, Kay (Greg) Seay of Huntsville, AL, and Cathy (Bill) Johnson of Huntsville, AL; step son, Donald (Cecilia) Garris of Raymond, MS; brothers, Leonard Sumrall of Gulfport and John W. Sumrall of Gulfport; sister, Betty Blake of Woolmarket; grandchildren, Hayden Sumrall, Avery Sumrall, Jennifer Thomas, Michael Davis, Lauren Roe, Grant Johnson, Ashley Garris, Christopher Adams, and Jessica Cooley; and numerous great grandchildren.
A visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday, January 5, 2012 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport. A graveside service with Full Military Honors will be held for the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Michael Memorial Baptist Church, 15053 John Clark Road Gulfport, MS 39503-8872.
Tributes may be shared with the family at www.riemannfamily.com.