Michael Stephen Sumner

Michael S. Sumner, age 74 of Dandridge, passed away on May 5, 2021 at his home surrounded by family and loved ones. Mike is survived by his three daughters, Mary Bass, Michelle Murdock and Amanda Parks. He also leaves behind 7 grandchildren, Adam Harris, Megan Hightower, Matthew Murdock, Anthony Murdock, Luke Parks, Phillip Parks, William Parks and 9 great-grandchildren whom he adored. He grew up in Baltimore, one of seven children of James Bass and Margaret Mayo. He is dearly missed by his remaining siblings, Joyce Bent and Robert Bass, his many nieces and nephews as well as former spouses, Jean Dawson and Gloria Sumner. He served 20 years with distinction in the US Army and is s veteran of both Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars. He earned the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and the Meritorius Service Medal amongst many others. He retired in 1991 at the rank of 1st Sergeant and received numerous other commendations for his dedication, bravery and valor. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Army never left him, as friends and family will attest. 1st Sergeant Sumner will Lie in State on Monday, May 10, 2021 from 12 – 5pm at the Farrar Funeral Home Chapel in Dandridge. A burial with military honors will be held Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 10:00am at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Knoxville.