William David Sumrall Jr.

Published 10:11 am Monday, January 20, 2025

July 4, 1943 – Jan. 16, 2025

WOODVILLE – William David “D.D.” Sumrall Jr., of Woodville, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at the age of 81.

He was born on July 4, 1943, to William David and Annie Mae Havard Sumrall. He served in the US Navy after high school. Once discharged from the Navy, he began his career working over 40 years as an Offshore Installation Manager and drilling consultant for Penrod and ENSCO.

While in the Navy, he was honored with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Navy Commendation Medal and Citation.

“D.D.” is survived by his son, Dr. William David Sumrall lll, and wife Meg; daughter, Rebecca Delatte, and husband, Donnie; five grandchildren, William, Hutson, and Sarah Sumrall, Caroline, and Cole Delatte; nephews, Tab and Wes Barbay; niece, Jennifer Hebert; sister-in-law, Gloria Hebert, and nephews, James, Bud, and Bob Herrington.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Bettye McCurley Sumrall; parents, William David Sumrall Sr. and Annie Mae Havard Sumrall; siblings, Nelda Elaine Ritter, Glenda Gayle Larson, and Douglas Wayne Sumrall.

“D.D.” was an avid hunter and fisherman and was a longtime member of Tansy Island Hunting Club. His passion for the outdoors was unmatched. He always said the moment he quit getting excited and his blood pressure would not rise was when he would quit hunting. His love for the Ole Miss Rebels ran deep and he was a fixture at WCCA football games. He was a friend to many and will be deeply missed by our community.

Visitation will be held on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Woodville Baptist Church, from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral services at noon at the church, officiated by Dr. George Bannister. Graveside services will immediately follow at Evergreen Cemetery with military honors. A reception will follow at Woodville Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.

Pallbearers are Dwight Hammack, Rodney McPeters, George W. Smith, Binky Knighton, William Sumrall, IV, Hutson Sumrall, Cole Delatte, Donnie Delatte, Wes Barbay, and Tom Christmas.

The family thanks longtime friend and physician Dr. Bob Lewis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1999, Memphis, TN 38101 or Wilkinson County Christian Academy, PO Box 977, Woodville, MS 39669.