Charles Abram Sumners III

With a somber heart, we announce the passing of one of the world's finest men, Reverend Charles Sumners III. His wife, Robin, his brothers Thomas and Robert, their wives, Paula and Tina, and his son Charles IV were in constant vigil after he returned home from the hospital. He was visited by many other family and friends, from new babies to people of all ages—he was dearly loved, and he loved dearly.

The Rev. Charlie Sumners ordained to the Episcopal Church Diaconate by Bishop Scott Field Bailey in 1967 and served as an assistant at St. Patrick’s in Washington, D.C. from 1967 to 1970, and then at St. John’s in Bethesda, Maryland, until 1972. He joined the staff at St. Luke’s in Atlanta in 1972 and served there until 1978. While there, he served as a Liturgical Missioner, introducing the ‘Folk Mass’ style of worship to parishes throughout the South. In 1978 he joined the staff at St. Bartholomew’s in New York City and stayed until 1982. While there, he created the Episcopal Television Network, which existed until 1984.

He moved back to Texas and became the Rector of St. Philip’s in Beeville in 1983 and retired in 2000. He began a series of short-term ‘permanent supply’ assignments in Texas and Colorado. Rev. Sumners was Priest in Charge of Grace Church in Cuero, Texas, from 2014 to 2017. Most recently, he presided over worship services at St. Peter’s in Lago Vista, Texas.

While maintaining a base in parish ministry for more than 50 years, he has been able to specialize in music, media, and communications. Rev. Sumners was a pilot since college, and he was active in the Civil Air Patrol. He was the originator of the Kerrville Folk Festival’s Folk Mass and has 50 years of perfect attendance as the leader of Sunday Mass on Chapel Hill.

He was a faithful servant of God, humanitarian, musician, and tech-savvy world-traveler. He witnessed many walks of life and supported Civil Rights movements, even putting himself at risk while providing support through the D.C. riots. He served in the Peace Corps in Nepal. He officiated countless weddings, funerals, and baptisms. He was loving husband and father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. There aren't enough words to express what a remarkable human being Charlie was.

In Lago Vista, he cared about the people he met in this lovely city. He supported the Episcopal Church, St. Peter’s, and created a Labyrinth where people could walk, think, meditate, and stand in the center looking at the setting of this lovely spot.

Charlie loved music, often using his guitar to bring joyful singing, encouraging new music for St. Peter’s collaborating with the amazing ability of Nancy Moore. Members read stories from the Bible, sharing with children and adults. He was happy bringing music to the worship service to share with others.

He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Robin Sumners, and children Charlie Sumners IV, David Woods (Denise), Jenny Pitkin (Will), and Mimi Doherty (Braden) and brothers Robert Sumners (Tina) and Thomas Sumners (Paula). He is preceded in death by sons Tom Sumners and Drew Woods.

The funeral service and celebration of life will be held at 2 pm on March 23 at the Chapel of St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, where he attended in his youth. There will be a reception to follow.

In his memory and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Sumners Music Award Endowment at St. Stephen’s, http://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/28664/donations/new or mail: 6500 St. Stephen's Drive, Austin, TX 78746