On February 22, 2025, the world lost a man of extraordinary character, Michael Ernest Sumner, who passed away peacefully while working in his yard. His sudden departure has left his family, friends, and the community heartbroken, yet Mike’s profound impact on the lives of those around him will continue to serve as a source of inspiration for many years to come.
Mike was born on February 12, 1958, at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. He was the son of Ernest L. Sumner and Marjorie Meadows Sumner. In 1959, the Sumner family moved to Decatur, Georgia, where Mike spent his childhood and early adulthood, developing an enduring sense of pride in his roots. After graduating from Lakeside High School in 1976, Mike attended the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce, where he earned his degree in 1980. His academic journey continued at the University of Georgia’s Lumpkin School of Law, where he earned his law degree in 1984.
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During his time in college, Mike interned for U.S. Senator Herman Talmadge, a pivotal experience that influenced his future career and led to a life-changing relationship with his wife, Leah Fallin. The two first met while playing softball in Washington, D.C., and their courtship began during a year spent in Aspen, Colorado. The couple married in 1985, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in shared values of family and service.
Mike’s legal career began at Glover and Davis in Newnan, followed by a position at Parker, Hudson, Rainer, and Dobbs in Atlanta. However, it was in 1996 that Mike returned to Newnan to establish his own law practice, Sumner Meeker, LLC, which continues to serve the community today.
Family, church, and community service were the cornerstones of Mike’s life. He and Leah made Newnan their home for 40 years, raising three sons: Brady, Stuart, and Thomas. They instilled in them a deep appreciation for education and service, with each son earning degrees from either the University of Virginia, the University of Georgia, or both. In 1990, Mike and Leah began restoring “Buena Vista,” a historic home in Newnan, which would become a gathering place for family, friends, and the community.
A devoted member of Central Baptist Church, Mike’s involvement extended beyond the pews. He and Leah taught Sunday school, participated in the gospel quartet and chancel choir, and served as deacons. His commitment to his community extended to his 16-year tenure with the Coweta County Board of Education, where he played a key role in the founding of the Nixon Centre for Performing and Visual Arts and the creation of Georgia’s first technical charter high school, Central Educational Center. Mike’s leadership in these initiatives left a lasting impact on the county’s educational landscape.
Outside of work, Mike was deeply involved in the Boy Scouts of America, leading many adventures and guiding his sons to Eagle Scout status. He was also past president of the Newnan Rotary Club, the Newnan Coweta Cancer Society, and the Newnan Coweta Heart Association.
Mike’s passions included traveling, snow skiing, and golf, and he cherished time spent with his family. Whether on vacation in the Rocky Mountains or relaxing at their second home on Amelia Island, Mike’s love for life was evident in every aspect of his journey. He was also a lifelong fan of Georgia football, Virginia basketball, and the Atlanta Braves, sharing his enthusiasm for sports with his children and grandchildren.
In the final years of his life, Mike found immense joy in his role as “Pop” to his granddaughter, Mary Frances. Whether playing the piano or walking on the beach, his love for his family was at the center of his heart.
Mike is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Leah, his sons Brady (Margaret), Stuart, and Thomas (Kate), his granddaughter Mary Frances, and his sister Melinda Barger, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. His life will be celebrated on February 26, 2025, at Central Baptist Church in Newnan. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Central Baptist Church Building Endowment Fund or the Nixon Centre for Performing and Visual Arts.
Mike’s legacy will live on in the many lives he touched through his devotion to family, faith, and service to others. Though he is no longer with us, his memory and influence will continue to guide and inspire those who knew him.
