Mr. Walter Lee Sumlin

Walter Lee Sumlin, 90, of Detroit began his heavenly journey on Tuesday, October 22, 2013. Walter Lee Sumlin was born the third of seven children to Dora Starks and Lee Sumlin on September 5, 1923 in Leaksville, Mississippi. At a young age, the family moved to Fruitdale, Alabama where he lived and attended school until the 7th grade. Being second oldest son, Walter began working to help support the family. And during his teen years worked as a truck driver in Fruitdale, Alabama before moving to Mobile where he lived with his eldest sister, Lucille until 1943. On May 31, 1944, Walter was inducted into the United States Navy until his honorable discharge from the U.S. Naval Center in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 17, 1946. During his time in the service, Walter served in World War II on the USS Polaris a naval supply ship as a painter third class. After leaving the service, Walter returned to Prichard, Alabama where he met Mildred L. Edwards. The couple later married on November 28, 1947 in Mobile, Alabama. Following his older brother, Jesse, Walter left Alabama looking to provide a better life for his new family. Walter boarded a train arriving in Detroit, Michigan on a Saturday and was working at Ford Motor Company the very next Monday. He later sent for his newly married wife and her two young sons, Henry and Richard Tanner with his first paycheck. The couple was later blessed with the birth of their only daughter, Patricia Ann. While at Ford, Walter became sickly and left the automotive industry to began his career in construction, where he retired on December 2, 1985 after working over 34 years. During his years in construction, Walter supervised such projects as the Renaissance Center, Northland Mall and the Detroit Metro Airport. Walter spent the next 28 years being a dedicated servant at New Creation Church, his laborer's Local 1191, community activist as a block club president, neighborhood watch, feeding the hungry and volunteer at the mini police precinct. The job that gave him much joy was serving on the Usher Board at Greater Grace Temple until 2012. Walter continued to be a light to the community, mentor, counselor, friend to the very end. As Walter's journey neared its end, his daughter, Pat, supported by family and friends sacrificed and dedicated herself to the faithful and unselfish care of her beloved father, Walter.

Mr. Walter Lee Sumlin

September 5, 1923 - October 22, 2013