PHILLIP RICHARD SUMNER SR.

BRISTOL — Phillip Richard Sumner Sr., a longtime resident of Bristol, living there all of his life, passed away at home June 24, 2026. He was 87.

Philip was born in Bristol at home on Oct. 1, 1938. He was the son of Berley and Anna (Hallock) Sumner. Phillip was a very dedicated family man, giving out assistance when needed. Phillip was number 12 of 13 children who have all predeceased him. Phillip started working on farms at an early age. Phillip always had a big garden and a nicely mowed lawn and was often complimented on. Phillip served in the United States Army, worked at Polymers in Middlebury, and later on for the Green Mountain National Forest.

Phillip met the love of his life Lucille (Whittemore) Sumner and married Dec. 10, 1960. They were married for 65 years and were inseparable. They were a great team. Phillip’s biggest passion was horseshoes. Phillip had his whole family involved in the sport, traveling to tournaments and bringing many trophies to his household. Phillip belonged to the Sodbusters Horseshoe Pitching Club as a lifetime member and pitched horseshoes until he was no longer able. When he was no longer playing, he was watching on the sidelines.

Phillip is survived by his daughter Lisa and partner Don; granddaughter Shayna and husband Jon; grandson Jared; great-granddaughter Arianna and great-grandson Jaymeson; son Phillip Jr. and wife Doris; granddaughter Joanna; grandson Troy and great-granddaughter Rayya; son Jeffrey and wife Melanie; granddaughter Samantha and granddaughter Jessyca.

We are hoping this info would pass inspection because as we all know Phillip had an exceptional memory when it came to times, places and people.

Visiting hours will be on Friday, July 3, from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at Brown-McClay Funeral Home, 4 South St. Bristol, Vt. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Bristol. ◊