Leon Sumter

Obituary: Leon Harvey Sumter, Sr. affectionately known as "Pops" was born on April 27, 1935 in Hopkins, South Carolina. He departed this earthly life at Palmetto Health Richland on Sunday, February 22, 2015. He was the son of the Late Joe Sumter and Rosetta Sumter Tillman. He was preceded in death by his spouse; Sarah Mosley Sumter, sons; Joe Louis Sumter and Samuel Sumter; brothers and sisters. Leon was a devoted husband for 57 years, father and friend to many. At an early age, he was baptized at Zion Benevolent Baptist Church and later became a member of St John Baptist Church where he was appointed to the Board of Trustees. He retired from Lock Joint Pipe Company as a welder for many years. He was known for telling many jokes. Before his health began to fail, he loved cooking, working in his garden and spending time with family and friends. He leaves to cherish precious memories, his children; Leon (Barbara) Sumter, Jr., Deborah S. Thompson; Margaret S. Gunter; Darryl Tyrone Sumter; James (Kazumi) Mosley of Hopkins, South Carolina; Alvin (Dorothy) Sumter of Atlanta, Georgia; Sherman (Andrena) Sumter of Eastover, South Carolina; one sister; Annie Bell Goodwin of Hopkins, South Carolina; three sister in laws; Hattie Green of Moreno Valley, California; Doris Jean Sumter of Hopkins, South Carolina; and Eartha L. Sumter of Eastover, South Carolina; seventeen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren; an adopted daughter, Minister Tina Kight; special neighbor; Thomas and Heristeen Goodson and other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly. Services: will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 28, 2015 at St. Johns Baptist Church (Hopkins)with interment to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday from 5:00 to 8:00pm with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.