William Clifford Sumner

Monday, July 21, 2014 William (Bill) Clifford Sumner died peacefully at home after a valiant seventh month battle against anaplastic thyroid cancer. Bill was born August 20, 1943 in Morris Plains, New Jersey, at home! He graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1962, also winning the city golf championship. Bill was passionate about golf, his country and his family. He and his wife, Mary Lea, spent forty-seven years together in many different places, primarily living in Las Cruces, New Mexico and Lewisville, Texas before retiring to Bayou Vista, Texas in 2008.

Bill ventured into several successful careers as an electrician, businessman working for GE Capital Corporation, entrepreneur owning and operating two Golf Stores in the Dallas area and ending his career as a supervisor with the TSA. While operating the Golf Stores he had played on the Texas Golf Circuit and other tournaments throughout the country. He qualified and played in the Bruno Open, an event on the Men’s Professional Senior Circuit.

There was not a truer patriot than Bill. He proudly served in the US Army in Vietnam earning a Bronze Star. He never left the house without his American Flag pin on his collar and he was a staunch believer in what our country was founded on.

Mary Lea and Bill were able to enjoy their retirement, spending time with family and traveling. Cruising out of Galveston, watching the grandchildren grow, wetting a line off the dock, or cruising down the highway in his Corvette were some favorite retirement activities. Of course, time spent watching or attending golf tournaments and playing golf were at the top of the list too.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Mary Lea; and two sons William Kenneth and William Russell and their families. He adored his three grandchildren, KC, Austin and Addyson to pieces.

Bill has one sister, Joanne (Sumner) Obst, a birthday gift and two brothers, Robert, and John.

The family greatly misses Bill and is deeply appreciative of the tremendous care received from Hallmark Hospice Services and UTMB in Galveston.

In lieu of flowers, please make Memorial Donations to UTMB. Checks should include the William Sumner Memorial Fund in the memo.

UTMB

Developmental Office

301 University Blvd.

Galveston, Texas 77555-0148