Connor Lee Sumter, Sr.

 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit"- Psalm 34:18

Connor Lee Sumter Sr., affectionately known as “Tank”, was the son of the late Elijah Sumter Sr. and Mamie Williams Sumter. He  was born on December 10, 1952 in Orangeburg County, SC and  entered into eternal rest on February 28, 2026 in Miami, FL.

He was raised in Vance, South Carolina, where he joined Rock Hill A.M.E. Church at an early age and later accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was educated in the public school system of Holly Hill, South Carolina. He was formerly married to Elease Ellis of Holly Hill, South Carolina, and to this union two children were born: one son and one daughter.

Connor later transformed his love for driving into a life of purpose and service. Long before rideshare services like Uber and Lyft existed, he established his own taxi business, building a respected and lasting career dedicated to safely transporting others to their destinations. Through his work, he not only provided a service, but also formed meaningful connections and became a trusted presence in the lives of many.

He had a great sense of humor, a charismatic personality, and he did not meet a stranger. He enjoyed talking about sports as he loved his Miami Dolphins and Miami Heat. He believed in the power of prayer and through years of battling multiple health complications he  never complained. When asked how he was doing his reply would be “I’m better.”

Connor was preceded in death by his parents, son: Connor Lee Sumter Jr., siblings: LW Sumpter, Apostle Elizabeth Dupree, James Sumter, Jay L. Sumter, L.D. Sumter, Elijah Sumter Jr., Vernell Sumter Guess, and Freddie L. Sumter.

To carry his loving heart, witty sense of humor, entrepreneurial spirit, and legacy of faith he leaves one daughter Josetta Sumter (Jemal) Cobb of Columbia, SC, four grandchildren: Connor Lee (Jazmeen) Sumter III of Charlotte, NC, Keietta (Armir) Goodwin of Columbia, SC, Shymeik Jamison of Charlotte, NC, and Christian McKune of Columbia, SC. Four great-grandchildren Emery Keigan Jones, Ebony Saige McKune, Joah Austin Goodwin, and Alora Lee Sumter. Three brothers Lawrence (Judith) Sumter of Lawrenceville, GA, Harry Sumter of Columbia, SC, Walter (Betty) Sumter of Vance, SC, and host of nieces and nephews.

The Sumter family will receive visitors at 133 Chapel Cross Rd. Vance, SC on March 5th and March 6th. (4:00pm-8:00pm) Family and friends may also leave expressions of sympathy on Our Online Tribute Wall.

Please keep the Sumter family in your thoughts and prayers.

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