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Robert Dennis Sumner, 68, of Athens, died on Monday, June 1, 2020 after a long battle with cancer.

Bob was born in Bainbridge, Ga. on December 1, 1951. He grew up in Bainbridge and enrolled in Georgia Tech after graduating from high school. After a couple of years at Tech, Bob decided the liberal arts suited him better. He transferred to and graduated from Georgia State University. During his time at Georgia State he developed a strong interest in music that would dominate the rest of his life. For many years he was a self-employed music instructor in Athens, Ga., primarily teaching guitar. When talking to folks about Bob, the word you hear most often is kind. Throughout his life he was kind and friendly to almost everyone he met.

Bob is survived by his brother John W. Sumner, Jr. of Decatur, Ga.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. A portion of Bob’s ashes will be interred at the cemetery of Big Ochlochnee Baptist Church in Thomas County, Ga.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to the American Cancer Society at P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or cancer.org.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, Ga., is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com