Robert O. Sumrall

Robert O. “Bob” Sumrall, Sr., 91, of Gulfport, passed away on Friday, October 11, 2019, in Gulfport, Mississippi. Bob was born in Clara, Mississippi, and served in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman First Class. He subsequently settled in Gulfport. In 1953, he married his sweetheart, Mary, and together they had four children. In 1966, he joined the Gulfport Fire Department, working his way up the ranks until ultimately retiring in 1991 as the Fire Chief. Bob saw someone he knew everywhere he went, and nothing gave him more pleasure than to be greeted by “Hey, Chief!” Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time conversing with people from all over the country by CB radio, calling himself “The Big-O.” He was a gifted musician who enjoyed playing his guitar and singing bluegrass gospel music with Mary. He had a love of hot rods and even did a little racing for a time. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his son, Robert Sumrall, Jr.; his parents, John and Sarah Sumrall; his brothers, Marvin Sumrall and Cleve Parker; and his sisters, Gladys Mae Beal, Eunice Bunch, and Leona James. He is survived by his children, Mike Sumrall, Carol Sumrall, and Donna (Brett) Mallette; 6 grandchildren, Amanda (Dan) Pettis, Michael Sumrall, Austin Sumrall, George Singley, Simeon Mallette, and Hannah Mallette; and 4 great-grandchildren. The visitation will be held Wednesday, October 16, 2019 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road in Gulfport with the funeral service at 1 :00 pm all at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Free Church of God Cemetery , Gulfport. The Gulfport Fire Department will provide an Honor Guard during the visitation and funeral service. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com