Dr. Craven Sumerell

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Dr. Craven Howard Sumerell died Friday, Jan. 2, 2009, at Carolinas Medical Center - Main.

Dr. Sumerell was born Nov. 7, 1930, in Ft. Barnwell, N.C. He was formally educated at Atlantic Christian College (B.S.); East Carolina University (M.A.); Duke University (M.A.); and Columbia Pacific University (Ph.D.). After serving in the Army, he continued his career at Carolina Telephone Company in Tarboro, N.C., and by the age of 27 was in upper-level management. His next position was with United Merchants and Manufacturers, where he oversaw computer technology in 34 textile plants throughout the Southeast.

In 1967, Dr. Sumerell accepted an appointment as Dean of Instruction at Catawba Valley Technical College in Hickory, N.C. There he found his passion for innovative approaches for making education accessible for working people and the philosophy he would be committed to for the rest of his career. He was appointed by the State Board of Community Colleges to set up Piedmont Technical College and in his three years as President of PTC he created the first program in the United States to offer totally individualized instruction, matriculation and graduation geared toward working adults.

In 1973, Dr. Sumerell founded Educational Industrial Systems to focus specifically on a businessdriven approach to education. He was an innovator of adult educational programs and established a prototype for non-traditional adult education which is widely available today. Dr. Sumerell continued his work with Limestone College in Gaffney, American Management College in Spartanburg, and at Bristol University in Bristol, Tenn., until his retirement in 1995. He was a member of numerous professional organizations and a lifelong Rotarian.

Dr. Sumerell was an enthusiastic golfer, table tennis player, joke teller and Duke basketball fan. He was immensely charming, witty, fun-loving, wise and always a gentleman.

He was devoted to his cherished wife, Amy; his children Helen Goley and husband, Dan; Amelia Schlatter and husband, Marty; Allison Hunt and husband, Roger; Patrick Sumerell and wife, Misty; and Shannon (Missy) Spainhour and husband, John. He was also aaa proud and adoring grandfather to Gray, Rachel, Elizabeth, Sam, Parrish, Julian, Violette and Anna. He is also survived by a brother, Hudson, and sister-in-law, Joyce; many nieces and nephews; and a wide circle of friends.

Dr. Sumerell was predeceased by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Sumerell, and his sister, Rachel S. Hartman.

The family will receive friends Monday, Jan. 5, from 6-8 p.m. at M.L. Ford and Sons Funeral Home, 4820 Charlotte Hwy., Lake Wylie.

Services will be held Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 2 p.m. at River Hills Community Church with the Rev. Dr. Richard Ray officiating. Interment will be in River Hills Community Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.