Walter Craig Sumerlin

Walter Craig Sumerlin, 73, passed away peacefully at his home in Shacklefords, Virginia on September 1, 2024 after a long battle with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Vasculitis). He is survived by his wife, Wendy Redfield Sumerlin; daughter Catherine Sumerlin Nickel and her husband Ross M Nickel; and family including his sister, Sandra K Sumerlin, three brothers; Christopher E Sumerlin and wife Diane, Curtis A Sumerlin, Danny Sumerlin and wife Sherry, sister-in-law Jackie and beloved grandson Bennett S Nickel who called him Hot Paw! He was preceded in death by his mother, Catherine E Rice Sumerlin, father Lt. Colonel Earl B "Slim" Sumerlin Jr, and brother Timothy L Sumerlin. Special best friends Bradley Detuncq and Rita Pace also survive him. Born on May 11, 1951 in Orange County California, he and his five siblings spent their early years moving every couple of years as Marine families do before settling in Virginia Beach during Craig's Cox high school and Christopher Newport college years. Their stories of childhood antics get better with each passing year! Craig went on to work in the food/beverage business and spent more than 28 years working for Valley Food Service and Reinhart Foods in the Hampton Roads area. He met his wife Wendy in Charlottesville and they married on August 20,1983 and spent many many moons together -- over 41 years! After 10 years together they were blessed by the birth of daughter Cate (Catiebug) in May 1992. She was the apple of his eye and indeed he instilled in her the adventurous spirit that they both shared. He was most happy working in his shop on his many cars and boats (more than 30) and unending home improvement projects. His workshop/garage was larger than his house - that puts things in perspective! Boating and traveling with family and friends were also priorities -- he was truly at peace on the water and enjoyed it till the end -- wakeboarding several years ago!! And the stories those friends and family would share rivaled no others! Anyone who knew Craig would probably agree you were lucky to be around such a genuine and positive man. It is rare to be adored and loved by every person you meet. Craig would drop anything to help a stranger and his smile was infectious. Several gatherings will take place at a later date when family can return to the states. Contributions can be made to the Vasculitis Foundation (https://www.vasculitisfoundation.org), the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (https://www.cbf.org) or a charity of your choice. From now until eternity every rum and coke will begin with a cheer to Captain Craig!!

Walter Craig Sumerlin

May 11, 1951 - September 1, 2024