VERNON SUMNER

Two leaders of the community passed away last Saturday, and both leave a legacy of exemplary service and love for their fellow citizens.

Vernon Sumner was 87 and passed away at Community Hospice after a short illness. Mr. Sumner had lived in Montgomery County since 1988, and was a former Montgomery County  Commissioner.

Montgomery County Chairman Leland Adams said of Sumner’s death “The Commissioners and I express our deepest sympathies to Vernon Sumner’s wife, Ann, and his family on his passing. Mr. Sumner was a faithful servant to Montgomery County. He served on the Board of Tax Assessors and two terms as a County Commissioner. He also served the County Commission as Chairman. Mr. Sumner was a business leader in our community as well and served on the Board of Director for Mount Vernon Bank. He will be missed.”

Funeral services for Vernon Sumner will be Wednesday, February 2, at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home.

JOHN ROBISON, JR.

Also passing away Saturday was John Robison, Jr. John was age 61 and died from injuries sustained in an automobile accident Friday night.

John was very active in the community, including serving on the Toombs County Development Authority. Just a couple of weeks ago, his term of service on the Authority was concluded, and he was recognized by his fellow members of the Board with a plaque.

He was also active on the Southeastern Technical Foundation Board, Robert Toombs Christian Academy Board of Director, Georgia Pecan Commodities Commission, and President of the Georgia Pecan Growers Association.

John’s professional business was in agriculture, and he along with his brother Charlie operated several pecan orchards. But it was his infinite smile and gentile manner that endeared him to so many in the community.

Funeral services for John Robison were held Tuesday, February 1 at The Oaks Baptist Church.