James Warren "Butch" Sumlin

James Warren “Butch” Sumlin, 63, passed away on Friday, April 12, 2013 after an extended illness. Funeral services and a celebration of his life will be held on Monday, April 15, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial will be in Macon Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Tim Long officiating. The family will meet friends on Sunday, April 14, 2013 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home. Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 2951 Flowers Road S., Suite 211, Atlanta GA 30341 or to the American Diabetes Association, 225 Peachtree St., NE, Suite 550, Atlanta GA 30303.

Mr. Sumlin was born and raised in Macon, Georgia to the late Earnest and Carolyn Sumlin. He was a graduate of Dudley Hughes High School, where he played baseball and basketball throughout his high school career. Butch was employed as a ranger at Lake Tobesofkee with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. He was previously employed at the Medical Center of Central Georgia, where he was Santa Clause to many children during their stay at the hospital.

Butch truly loved life and enjoyed his many friends, but the last few years his health was declining and his body was just worn out. He said to tell all his many friends and family that he hoped to see them all on the other side. Butch played softball for many years and for many different teams in Middle Georgia. He was most proud of the many years he coached in the midget football program, youth baseball and basketball, with the latest being Upward Basketball that just finished last month.

He is survived by his loving sisters, Debbie (Wayne) Ayers of Knoxville, Cathy (Willie) Davis of Macon, Sandra (Billy) Seymour of Macon, Diane (Dane) Sams of Lizella, several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and extended family, Lana (Gary) Joyner, Taylor (Big Al) Bower and Kristen Bower.

Visit www.maconmp.com to express condolences.

Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery has charge of the arrangements.