D. Robert Cumming Jr.

David Robert Cumming, Jr., 88, died peacefully at home in Atlanta on April 6, 2016. “Bob,” the son of Laura Bailey Cumming and David Robert Cumming, was a native of Griffin, GA. After graduating from Griffin High School and serving a year in the U.S. Army, Bob took a train north to Princeton University where he graduated summa cum laude in 1950. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his J.D. from the University of Georgia Law School in 1953. He served as Editor-in-Chief of the Student Editorial Board of the Georgia Bar Journal and graduated first in his class. Bob then joined the firm of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan of Atlanta. A pioneer litigator and leader of Sutherland’s litigation practice for many years, he was a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and served as Chair of the Antitrust Section of the State Bar of Georgia. Bob married the love of his life, Beverly Owens, of Albany, GA, in 1954, and together they raised four daughters and nurtured eleven grandchildren. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Bob loved spending time with his family at home and in Highlands, NC. He enjoyed sailing, tennis, walking in the woods, and playing the piano. He instilled in all of his children a love of music. An avid reader and a lively conversationalist, Bob loved telling stories, laughing, and learning. His eyes always sparkled with light and kindness. He is survived by his wife Beverly Owens Cumming; his four daughters and their families: Beverly Cumming Cline, her children Mary Shafer (Allen, daughter Emma), David (Katie), and Jack; Laura and Jim Szyperski, their children Bobby (Heather), Laura, and Caroline; Mary and Frank Heald, their children Robert, David, and Mary Emma; Caroline and Larry Wilson of Charlotte, NC, their children Alex and Sarah Bailey; sister, Mary Cumming Fitzhugh of Griffin, GA; brother-in-law Dr. Robert Douglas McKenzie of Bozeman, MT, and many nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by sisters Laura Cumming Northey of Charlotte, NC, and Jane Cumming Smalley of Griffin, GA; and brother-in-law Judge Wilbur Dawson Owens of Macon, GA. The family would like to thank Ms. Barbara Hall and Ms. Cynthia Giddens, who showed Bob such loving kindness in the last years of his life. A service to celebrate the life of David Robert Cumming will be held at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2016. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to St. Anne’s Episcopal Church or Good Samaritan Health Center.