Como, NC – John "Johnny" W. Sumner, 62, a life-long resident of Parkers Ferry Road passed away after a brief but courageous battle with lung cancer on Thursday, April 12, 2018. Born in Ahoskie NC on October 14, 1955, Johnny was preceded in death by his father Lokie F. Sumner, Sr.; his mother Riopell Parker Sumner; his brother Lokie "Peter" F. Sumner, Jr.; and his sister Patricia "Pat" Sumner Mead.  He was a 1973 graduate of Murfreesboro High School and a well-known and respected Herford County farmer. He and his cousin, Charlie B. Sumner, were partners in Sumner Farms. Together they have been recipients of numerous farming awards and trophies including Top Peanut Producer for several years. Johnny was rarely out of his Sumner Farms work uniform but he did take time out to hunt with his friends at Camp PD Hunt Club and C F Hunt Club. Johnny, also known as "Grey Squirrel", was a highly skilled combine, excavator, and bull dozer operator. For those who know Johnny, he will forever be remembered as a true southern gentleman, selfless, kind and loyal to his family and friends. Johnny always put the needs of others before himself.

Johnny is survived by his two sons Dustin (Rachel) and Blake Sumner of Como; sister Anna Scott Sumner Swor (Larry) of Werisdale, Fl; step sister Joyclynn B. Patterson of Raleigh; grandson Grady Everette Sumner; many nieces and nephews; and special friend of 11 years Amy DeLoatch of Woodland.

Friends and family are invited to gather at the home of Dustin Sumner, 635 Ebo Road, Como, NC.  A celebration of Johnny's life will be held 6 PM Saturday, April 14, 2018 at Sumner Farms shop on Parkers Ferry Road. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to the Como Volunteer Fire Dept., P. O. Box 117, Como, NC 27818, or Buckhorn Baptist Church, Attn: Phillip Howell, 702 New Hope Church Road, Como, NC 27818.