John Sumner

With sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of John Wayne Sumner, 78, of Portsmouth, VA. After a battle with Parkinson’s Disease and dementia, John passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 12, 2023. He was a beloved husband, father, educator, coach, and mentor.

John was born on January 5, 1945, in Mount Airy, NC to John W. and Orpie I. Sumner. He graduated from Mount Airy High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete, and played basketball at Southwood College and Edwards Military Institution, where he earned an Associate Degree in Business. He was fond of telling stories about his playing days at Southwood, particularly his time as a teammate of “Pistol” Pete Maravich. John later served in the U.S. Navy and went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Old Dominion University. While basketball (and later golf) were his passions, his greatest legacy was as Coach Sumner. John taught physical education at Cradock High School where he was the varsity basketball coach from 1972-1983. After obtaining his Master’s Degree in School Administration from George Washington University, John became an assistant principal at Great Bridge Middle School, where he remained until he retired. His impact as an educator was evidenced in June of 2019 when his former basketball players from Cradock honored him at a dinner at Roger Brown’s Restaurant and Sports Bar in Portsmouth.

John is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Veronica Sumner; his son, Eric Sumner; his daughter, Tiffany Sumner; his grandchildren, Tyson and Lexie Sumner; his sisters Treva Haynes and Becky Viperman; his nephews Brian and Chris Sumner; and his niece, Ann Borovies. He was preceded in death by his brother, Howard “Buddy” Sumner.

The family is planning a celebration of life get together. Details to follow. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in John’s name to either the Parkinson's Foundation (www.parkinson.org) or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (www.michaeljfox.org).