Doyle L. Sumrall

Doyle L. Sumrall, or Poppie as he was often called, was a devoted husband, caring father, and loving grandfather and great grandfather. He passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of March 12, 2024 in his home at the age of 86 after a brief illness.

Doyle was born on July 19, 1937 in Marion County Mississippi. After graduating from Monticello High School, he spent six years in the Army National Guard of Mississippi, ultimately receiving an honorable discharge for his service. Doyle then set off to attend business school, starting down a path that would ultimately lead to a very successful career in the home décor industry.

A self-made man through and through, Doyle’s lifelong entrepreneurship started from humble beginnings. He sacrificed his passion for sailing, which he had enjoyed for several years, in order to start and ultimately focus on his business. Once the company was off the ground, he poured all his energy into making it a success. Doyle began as an independent wallpaper hanger in the 1980s, eventually garnering enough support to open his own wallpaper and home décor storefront, Total Wallcovering, in Sugar Land, Texas in 1988. The store was very popular and ultimately expanded to a total of four locations spread across the Houston area before eventually transitioning to being exclusively online in the later years. Doyle and his wife, Rena, operated the store together since its beginnings and right up until his death.

Doyle was a very successful business man who always knew what he wanted, and steadfastly believed in doing things right the first time. He made many friends in the home décor industry along the way, many of which kept in touch regularly through the years. He was also a very generous man to those he was involved with. Many of his employees have credited him for helping them through their own difficult times thanks to his generosity and no-nonsense guidance.

In addition to his fierce work ethic and drive for personal success, Doyle absolutely loved his family. He and Rena spent almost all of their free time with their grandsons, and he worked tirelessly to impart his wisdom to them. He taught them everything he could, showing them things within the business, along with a variety of general life skills that helped make him successful. Doyle and Rena also loved to travel, and they would take their grandsons on trips all over the country, further expanding their view of the world.

Doyle is preceded in death by parents Seth and Cavie Mae Sumrall, sister Linda Mahaffey, brother Hilton Sumrall, sister Sybil Alexander, niece Phyllis Young, and great nephews Damon Baldwin and Jacob Young. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Rena Sumrall, son Kelly Sumrall and wife Carmen, daughter Jana Klaus and husband Danny, grandchildren Daniel Klaus and wife Evelyn, Brandon Klaus and wife Kimberly, Matthew Klaus and wife Brittany, Jennifer Cantu and husband Larry, Joe Perez, great grandchildren Katelyn Klaus, Dylan Klaus, Olivia Klaus, Emma Klaus, Kyndal Klaus, Peyton Klaus, Gwyneth Ashenbrenner, Destiny Aschenbrenner, Andrew Cantu, and Ariel Cantu. He is also survived by brother Gerald Sumrall and wife Peggy, Donnie Sumrall, brothers-in-law Gary Schrock and wife Ann Marie, and Robert Schrock and wife Janine. 14 nieces and nephews, 26 great-nieces and nephews and scores of great-great nieces and nephews also survive him. He is also survived by many friends, business associates, former employees and current employee, Lauren Smith.

Services will be held at First Baptist Church Mont Belvieu, 10110 Eagle Drive, on Friday, March 15, 2024. Visitation will begin at 10am followed by the service at 11 am. Pall bearers are Daniel Klaus, Brandon Klaus, Matthew Klaus, Ariel Cantu, Billy Sumrall, Jimmy Baldwin, Wayne Sumrall, and Danny Sumrall. Honorary pallbearers are Kenneth Carr, Joe Perez, Larry Cantu, Andrew Cantu.Stephen Schrock, Seth Schrock, Wade Schrock, Cale Schrock, Brandon Barron and Dylan Klaus.

The family requests any memorial donations be made to First Baptist Church of Mont Belvieu, Baytown Pregnancy Resource Center or any Special Needs organization.