Michael Sumbry

Obituary For Michael Sumbry

Michael Sumbry, 75, passed on Monday, December 29, 2025 in Columbus, GA

Mr. Michael Sumbry was born on July 13, 1950, in Phenix City, Alabama, to the late Mr. Charlie Sumbry and the late Mrs. Bertha Lee Fegan Sumbry. He peacefully departed this life on December 29, 2025, at Columbus Hospice House in Columbus, Georgia.

Michael accepted Christ at an early age at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Phenix City, Alabama. He served faithfully in several capacities and was also an Eagle Scout. His early commitment to faith, service, and discipline remained evident throughout his life.

Michael began his elementary education in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, before later returning to Phenix City, Alabama, where he attended Phenix City Public Schools. He graduated from South Girard High School in 1968 and later attended Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Phenix City, Alabama.

Michael proudly served his country in the United States Army. Following his active military service, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he was employed by the Federal Government under the United States Department of Agriculture. After returning to Phenix City, he joined the Army National Guard, from which he later retired. He also retired from the Central Initial Issue Point under the Department of Defense at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Michael was a hardworking and skilled man with many talents. One of his earlier employers was Scwobilt, a historic tailor and retail company formerly located on Broadway in Columbus, Georgia. There, he mastered the preliminary techniques required for the making of fine suits that "Suits the South," further sharpening his sense of fashion and impeccable personal style.

His craftsmanship and hands-on abilities were also seen through his brick masonry skills, many of which still stand throughout the local area. He built brick enclosures for mailboxes, barbecue pits, and picnic tables with benches. He was also the proprietor of MGM Pest Control Company.

Michael was united in Holy Matrimony to Gwendolyn Edmonds. Their union was blessed with one daughter, Micah Jasmine Sumbry. Michael was also a father to Ayanna Norman and embraced family with love and care.

After returning to Phenix City, Michael joined Oasis Church International, where he continued to serve and worship faithfully.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Sumbry and Bertha Lee Fegan Sumbry, and his oldest sister, Charlie Mae Sumbry Caruthers.

Michael was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother. He leaves to cherish his precious memories his devoted and caring wife, Gwendolyn E. Sumbry; devoted and caring children, Micah Jasmine Sumbry of Phenix City, Alabama; (via blended family) Ayanna Norman of Atlanta, Georgia; Angelo Stephens (Charlene) of Columbus, Georgia; and Stephanie Turner (Billy) of Indianapolis, Indiana; grandchildren, Ryan and Nicolas Norman of Atlanta, Georgia; loving and devoted sister, MSG(R) Elaine Sumbry Robinson (Edward) of Columbia, South Carolina; nieces, Sharolyn D. Pattersonof Glen Burnie, Maryland, Felicia Hughley of Phenix City, Alabama, Christie R. Gary (Jerry) of Fortson, Georgia, and Alexis Jackson of Columbia, South Carolina; one uncle, Chester Sumbry of Cleveland, Ohio; a cherish cousin, Yvonne LaRita Washington (Kevin) of Fayetteville, North Carolina; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

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