Yancey E Sumner III

Yancey married his Miami High sweetheart Talia (Rennie) Ann Francescon, and they celebrated 48 years of marriage before Rennie’s passing on February 12,2007.

They were loving parents to three sons: Yancey Eston Sumner IV, Elliot Louis Sumner and Brett Allan Sumner.

He had five grandchildren; Elliot Louis Sumner Jr, Clinton Ashley Sumner, Lauren Ashlee Sumner, Austin Joseph Sumner, and Allan Joshua Sumner and three great grandchildren; Hayden Ryley Sumner, Lynnen Avery Mayfield, and Colter Lane Mayfield.

Yancey was an outdoorsman who enjoyed tromping through the woods. As a young man, he and his friend Jimmy would catch venomous snakes selling them to the Miami Serpentarium to display and formulate snake bites anti-venom. In his early 20s, he machete trails through North Georgia mountain as a land surveyor earning a living for his young family. Returning to South Florida he worked with his brother-in-law in the family tile and terrazzo business Southern Tile Co in Perrine. He later ventured out on his own in Real Estate sales founding Performance Realty, Inc., in 1977, in Homestead. In the early 80s he transitioned into commercial real estate with the Allen Morris Company on Brickell Avenue, finally finishing his career with Sam Oats at NAI Miami.

He enjoyed backcountry fishing and canoe adventures in the Florida Everglades and Florida Keys. Family vacations included visits to numerous Florida springs, Walt Disney World, Lion Country Safari, and trips to his and mom’s favorite Smoky Mountains.

He was an avid photographer who enjoyed taking pictures of nature. He enjoyed chasing butterflies, barn animals, and various wildlife (most anything) that would stand still long enough for to capture its image. Perhaps his favorite nature landscape was waterfalls. He enjoyed tinkering with camera lens filters, aperture settings, and shutter speeds trying to catch that perfect waterfall scene. He enjoyed sharing the prints with others and never missed the opportunity to gift the best ones to friends, and family.

He will be remembered for his love of family, strong Christian faith, his strength of character and the many lives he touched throughout his years. He was an outgoing man who would strike up conversations with wait staff offering to include any prayer request(s) before the family meal.

At his request he’ll be cremated. A private memorial service will be held at Rainbow Fall, North Carolina.