William Milton Sumerel

William Milton (“Bill”) Sumerel passed away peacefully in his home on December 18, 2024 surrounded by his family.

Born in Laurens, South Carolina on May 4, 1938 to William Paul Sumerel and Loree Hughes Sumerel, Bill attended Presbyterian College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Clemson University in 1961. His career began with Davis Electrical Constructors and included stints in Northern Ireland and Scotland before settling with his young family in Greenville where he continued with Davis for over forty years before retiring as president in 2004. Bill was practical and precise in his work and an astute manager of time and resources. He suffered no fools and despised waste, a loud ruckus, and baked chicken, but he delighted in travel, crossword puzzles, fresh vegetables and the adventures of his grandchildren. His 1999 silver Jaguar convertible gave him particular joy as did a good cigar, a good book and music of all kinds. He was a faithful member of Christ Church Episcopal and a dedicated Meals on Wheels volunteer.

Bill was extraordinarily generous to so many individuals and worthy causes and will be forever remembered for his steadfast faith in God’s mercy and grace. His legacy inspires his family to quietly live out the promise of the Gospel in everything they do.

He is survived by his wife of nearly sixty years, Rosemarie Traeger Sumerel, his children, William Milton Sumerel, Jr. (Della) of Brentwood, Tennessee, Leigh Sumerel Yarbrough (Scott) of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, and Mary Maurice Sumerel Young (David) of Columbus, Georgia and his grandchildren, Will, Molly, Rosemarie, Charlotte, Eleanor, Lane, Traeger and Mary Frances. He is also survived by a sister, Libby Sumerel Day, a brother, James B. Sumerel (Elaine), and several nephews. Bill was predeceased by a much beloved brother, Donald Hughes Sumerel.

A celebration of his life and the Holy Eucharist will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Church Episcopal, with internment afterwards in the church’s gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels, 15 Oregon Street, Greenville, South Carolina 29605.