Gene Sumrall Jr.

Willie Eugene "Gene" Sumrall Jr. was born on August 28th, 1952 in Monroe, Louisiana to Mae Alice (Spell) and Will Eugene Sumrall Sr.

Gene was the current Music Director at Redeemed Church of Bryan Texas where he was admired and loved by his church family.  Gene's heart was to serve the Lord.  Music was always a very intricate part of his life starting at a very early age.  His father was a Pastor so he grew up in church and joined the church choir as a young boy, and has been doing music ministry ever since.

Gene was blessed with a servant's heart, and loved to help others.  He volunteered with First Baptist Church of College Station passing out food to the needy, and worked with the Salvation Army.  He also loved to bless others with his music, so when he could he would sing for the residents of the local nursing home, The Lampstand.

A true family man, there was nothing in this world Gene loved more than his family.  He would walk 10 miles one direction just to get to work so he could provide for his wife and children.  After his tenure at Kent Moore Cabinets, he became a taxi driver, which he enjoyed immensely.  His regular clients enjoyed his stories and jokes (as he loved to tell a good one...and sometimes a bad one ;).  I imagine he also used that time to spread the Gospel as well.

In addition to his love for his music, love for his family, and his love for the Lord, one final thing needs to always be remembered about Gene.  His kindness.  He never met a stranger, and was kind to all that crossed his path. His faith was lived out in his generous, loving spirit.  His blue eyes were always shining and you could see his kindness and sincerity through them.  He will be greatly missed by all.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents:  Willie Eugene Sumrall Sr. & Mae Alice Spell Sumrall, and his two sons:  Timothy Eugene Sumrall, and Anthony Wayne Sumrall. Gene was survived by his loving wife Jonnie Leah Collins Sumrall, his daughter; Melissa Sumrall Lawson; his daughter-in-law, Sherry Sumrall Short; his stepchildren Tonya Torbett, Chris Smith, and Anne Serena Kay; his siblings Kenneth Sumrall, John Sumrall, and Sharon Sumrall Smith; and numerous grandchildren, foster children and many other cherished friends & family.

In order to honor Gene’s memory, his family has planned a visitation to be held from 11 to 1pm on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at Hillier Funeral Home of Bryan. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1pm on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at Hillier Funeral Home of Bryan. Interment will follow at Old Bethel Cemetery on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 3pm.  Please share any memories or tributes to Gene at www.hillierfuneralhome.com