Earl Nelson Sumpter

Mr. Earl Nelson Sumpter age 73 of 1221 Cedarhurst Dr. Sanford, NC passed on Wednesday, September, 4, 2019 at Sanford Health & Rehabilitation.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course and I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge shall give me at that day: and not to me only but unto all them also that love His appearing.  2 Timothy 4: 7-8 

A Time To Be Born

Earl Nelson Sumpter, the son of the late Fred and Evelyn Sumpter was born in Baltimore, Maryland on November 11, 1945.  Earl was a man passionately known as the eldest son of 10 children. Three brothers; James, Bernard, and Mario, and six sisters, Algene, Carrimae, Shirley Ann, Savannah, and Constantina.  Earl’s biological mother, Evelyn passed at an early age. His father, Bishop Fred Sumpter remarried Zettie Swann. Together, they had a daughter, naming her Sherri, giving her the title as the 10th Child.  Zettie Swann Sumpter would become the step-mother, providing care for a great number of grandchildren as well as great grandchildren. One brother, James Sumpter, preceded him in death.     

A Time to Plant 

Earl received his education in Lee County Public School System where he graduated with a High School Diploma from W. B. Wicker School in 1964.  

Because Earl was so inspired to be like his father, he started a career in professional logging.  He would fluctuate between logging and manufacturing periodically. Because of his periodic fluctuation, he became a Jack of All Trades, fixing, repairing, building, and planting. 

At one point, in his early adulthood, he had moved into an apartment in Greensboro, North Carolina.  Earl quickly reached the conclusion that Greensboro was too fast paced for him. This decision propelled him to move back home close and near to his father.  

On June 1, 1974, Earl was united in Holy Matrimony to Kathy Veronica Swann, and from their union four children were born, an infant daughter who preceded him in death; three boys, Demetrius, Keith, and Nicholas.  

Over the course of his life as a father, he would share a unique relationship with each son.  Earl had various attributes and talents. Each son bares either one or more than one of his various attributes and talents.  His first son, Demetrius, loves to fix, repair, and build just like him. His second son, Keith, loves to read and talk. His third son Nicholas is becoming an entrepreneur.

A Time To Serve

At an early age, Earl accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at the Church of God Broadway.  He loved to share his affection for God wherever he went. Earl would boldy tell, if you decided to listen or not, that The Lord was His Shepard.

As a result of the Vietnam War, Earl was drafted into the U. S. Army where he served from 1966 to 1968.  

A Time to Die 

During his short stay at Sanford Health & Rehabilitation, Earl kept saying that he wanted to go home.  He would often say that he wanted to go to 1221 Cedarhurst Drive during the early weeks of August. However, towards the end of August he stated a different address.  Earl said that he was tired and needed some eternal rest. Earl knew that his time on this side of glory was gradually coming to an end. When asked what he wanted his obituary to say he stated; “I am little piece of leather well put together.”   

During the Eight pm. hour of Wednesday, on September 4, 2019, God dispatched His  angels to go into Sanford Health & Rehabilitation, escorting him to his permanent home of peace and rest, and where the Saints that have gone on before him were there rejoicing and welcoming him home.  

A Time To Rejoice

He leaves to cherish his memories; a loving and devoted wife of 45 years; Kathy Veronica Sumpter of the home; three sons, Demetrius Nelson Sumpter of Olivia, Keith Andra Sumpter of Morrisville, and Nicholas Scott Sumpter (Shebeia) of Charlotte; two grandsons, DJ and King; five grand-duaghters, Jerraysheia, De’shele, Nia, Sa’llai, Laila; two great-grand-duaghters, Harmony and Ke’Siah; two former daughter-in-laws, Keisha and Nicole; two sister-in-laws, Robin, Angela, Janice, and Brenda, five brother-in-laws, Michael, Tom, Timothy, Eugene, and Wonderful; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins and friends. 

Arrangements By: Knotts Funeral Home, Sanford