Paul Maass Sumerall

Paul Sumerall

Paul Maass Sumerall, 58, of Long Beach, California, formerly of Caile, passed away Thursday, December 20, 2012, at his home. He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Sumerall; his three sons, Harrison Sumerall (Kathi), Alexander Sumerall and William Sumerall; his mother, Maria Sumerall; and his two sisters, Mia Terrell (Johnnie) and Diane Green (Hal). He was preceded in death by his father, Randolph Sumerall; and his brother, Randy Sumerall. Paul was a 1972 graduate of Indianola Academy, where he served as Student Council President. He continued his education, earning his bachelor's degree from Millsaps College and his master's degree from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. After college, Paul served in the Peace Corps in Tunisia where he met his wife, who was also serving as an English teacher. Paul achieved many professional accomplishments in his lifetime, but he always considered his family to be his greatest accomplishment and pleasure. Paul loved to travel and to see the world. For the better part of his career, he was involved in banking, which took him throughout Europe, Russia and Africa. He most recently worked as managing director of Merchants Bank of California. Paul had a true gift for recognizing talent and encouraging people to realize their potential. Paul was not motivated by recognition, but by the satisfaction of a job well done. His philosophy was to leave a place better than he found it. Having succeeded in that goal, we say goodbye to him in this world and look forward to him welcoming us in the next. His generosity and devotion to the common good were always his defining characteristics. Paul will always be remembered for his humility and empathy. His legacy lives on through those who knew and loved him and a little piece of Paul will always exist within the souls of each person he touched. Paul was laid to rest December 29, 2012 in Caile, MS.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul's honor at:Caile Cemetery AssociationP.O. Box 97Inverness, MS 38753