I talk to him via phone every day and we go down Memory Lane recalling the many many events and experiences we shared growing up in Fulton, AL. Of course, the day that the Army duo arrived in Fulton, to share with us that Lt. James Perry Sumner had been hit by a mortar round in Vietnam and was flown by helicopter and then aircraft to a Navy hospital in Guam, yes that was tough on the Sumner family! It took a couple of days to get the word on his condition, would he be coming home or what? As it turned out, he returned to Vietnam and was “in country” during the Tet Offensive. I will never forget meeting his flight in Birmingham and seeing him come off the airplane, even with a definite limp.
A few years later, Perry came down with Non-Hopkins Lymphoma. Not just once, but twice he battled and won over the cancer. Also, I almost forgot, he had to have a heart valve repaired which did not slow him down a bit!
Now, we have the unfortunate news that Perry has Pancreatic Cancer. This is a whole different animal for a 75 year old to face! He has made the decision to live each day as comfortable as he can and to heck with Chemotherapy!
There are not that many folks remaining back in Alabama and the South that are aware of his many successes and accomplishments there in the Pittsburgh area. I believe there are 3 different steel mills that you purchased and brought them back to life with jobs for the steel workers. Your volunteering to help out with the SCORE organization and becoming the West Pennsylvania Director has been an awarding experience. Lastly, the volunteering to plant and then later take up the bulbs at the LaTrobe Country Club entrance as well as the Bell Ringer for the Salvation Army during bitter cold weather is impressive!
Yes, I am proud of brother James Perry Sumner!
Thanks,
Bill
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Perry, you probably don’t remember me since I didn’t enter Alabama College until your last year of attendance. I know you are well familiar with Bruce Higdon, Jack Hawkins, Doug Patterson, and SIGMA brothers in that time range. I entered in the fall of 1964, and I wasn’t affiliated with the Sigma Club until the Spring of 1967. Although you probably don’t remember me, I do remember you. Your little brother, Bill, was my pledge class leader, and over the years I have been able to get to know him better and better. He’s a great guy, and we appreciate the quality of leadership that he brings to our alumni association. Over the years, as our brothers have gotten older and wiser, many have learned the comfort and peace that resides in their faith in God and their core beliefs that all great organizations must have to continue to have success in our world. We as a brotherhood are praying for you and your family, that God will give you peace and comfort in your time of need. You are in many of our personal prayers daily as we go about our busy lives. May the blessings of God be upon you and your family. Fondly,
Wayne Burdette
Σ – SIGMA 68’
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Dear Perry,
I was very sorry to learn of your condition from Bill last Friday. Please know that there are about 50 guys from your Alabama College days who are lifting you and your family up in prayer every day.
It was so good to see you at one of our reunions a few years back. We were hoping it would be an annual thing, but realize the distance you had to travel would make it difficult. I do still treasure my Marine Corp “cover” that you gave me. I don’t wear it, fearing somebody understandably might take offense since I was never in the corps. But I do leave it on the front seat of my car in case someone with thoughts of breaking in might see it and have second ones. So far, so good, and having it there always reminds me of you.
I wish you well, my friend, and if there is ever anything you need, you know you only have to ask.
Peace,
Andy Meginniss
∑ Class of ‘68
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Dear Perry,
You truly are one of the original “good guys”! I appreciate so much your character and your leadership. I wish you peace on your journey!
Buell
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Perry, I consider you my brother, a friend, a great patriot, and a hero. You represent what is great about our country. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. I regret that we have had so few chances to see you. That is why your last visit to our reunion is such a precious memory. I know from Bill your prognosis is not good. You know over 50 of our brothers are joining all who are praying for you. I’d give anything for a chance to “go down memory lane” with you and Bill, as he states. I am thankful for my Christian faith because I know I will get that chance, either here or in Heaven. God bless you and your family. Much love, Bruce Sigma class of 1966.
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Perry,
How could I ever forgot my first R A at good ole AC and the person who gave me my nickname “Moonpie”. You called me a “C” county stud because I was from Chilton county and you were from Clarke county. As Andy Meginniss mentioned, I will always remember the time you attended the Sigma reunion, became part of our brotherhood, yes, I consider you a brother, and gave us all a Marine “cover”. I still have it and wear it proudly. You and Roxie are on my daily prayer list as I pray for God’s speed for you and your family.
BUIB,
Jerry Fulmer (M P)
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Bill, please give Perry our hope that this might change. Perry was an RA on first floor Napier when Terry Smith, J.C. Rush, and I moved into third floor Napier in Early September, 1965. Perry was always attentive of our thoughts, but we always knew he had the ear of Mr. and Mrs. Hood. Perry is one of those good remembrances of Alabama College in the fall of the year. We will think of him again now. Bill and Jane Gresham. Class of 1969
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Perry, our guys have been thinking about you and praying for you. It was so good to see you at our annual SIGMA (Higdon) event a few years ago at Blue Water Bay. Please know that you will continue to be in our prayers.
Bind Us In Brotherhood
Paul Doran, ‘68
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Perry, I remember you from Napier days as a very strong and smart guy. You won the sit up competition on 3rd floor. I think you did about 60 in a minute.
I wish you well.
BUIB
Cro
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Perry was one of those men you met upon moving into Napier Hall, who made you glad you had chosen Alabama College as an educational challenge. Perry lived downstairs on the first floor, west side beyond the apartment of Mr. and Mrs. Hood. I suppose Mr. Hood, in his blind movement upon the hallways or sitting in the Napier office, knew Perry by his tall presence. I remember how it was my first impression that Perry was the type fellow I would respect during the time he remained on campus prior to graduation. I really still have to say I think Mrs. Hood had her eye on Perry. I recall a trip through Fulton, AL., on our way to Gulf Shores. As I recall it was in Fred Crawford’s car, and we stopped at the Sumner home. The parents of Perry and Bill were so kind and Mrs. and Mr. Sumner made us all feel as if we were family. At that time, I knew why both of these guys were the men they had become. Perry, your life has touched many, even those of us you may not have known as our Brother, you were. Bill Gresham, 312 Napier, 1965. (Bill Gresham, James Calvin Rush, and Terry Grant Smith.
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Perry,
I have been thinking of you and like all the Brothers hoping and praying for the best. Trying to get this old brain to recall our interactions two things jumped out. You, I’m sure don’t remember but you were the first person I met at Alabama College. I enrolled while on a Med Cruise just for “grins” after a friend who was a student sent me an application. Due to a comedy of errors I got out of the Marine Corps and decided to attend AC. I had never been on campus, knew beans about it an only had a letter assigning me to Napier Hall. I walked into the lobby and you were there and escorted me to my room, helped me with my gear and gave me a quick orientation to campus. I still remember your kindness and desire to help.
The second encounter was not so much fun. We were on opposing teams playing intermural basketball when we both went up for a rebound. I went up slightly ahead of you and came down as you were going up. You, being about a foot taller than me, came down and your elbow hit me in the forehead right at the hairline. Blood shot out about six feet and ran down into my eyes and I thought my whole head was split open. Someone got a towel, wrapped my head and helped me walk to Dr. Parnell’s office. When they got the bleeding stopped the hole was so small you couldn’t even see it. It was right on an artery. Damm you had bony elbows.
Perry you have always had my respect and your selfless actions throughout your life have only made that respect grow. My thoughts are with you and you family through this ordeal.
Semper Fidelis,
Sid
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Brother Perry,
You were ALWAYS the voice of reason, the voice of calm, the voice of compassion when we were becoming men together. I became a better man because of the impact you had on me. If I’m worthy, I look forward to seeing you down the road. My life has been better because you were in it.
Love you Bro, BUIB,
Scott
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Perry:
Continue to fight the good fight as we were taught in the Marine Corps. At the same time, know many prayers are being lifted up for you and family by your Sigma brothers and fellow Marines. Semper Fidelis, John Schmidt
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