August 23, 2013

Lewis Carrol Umphlette passed away on Aug. 23, 2013, at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Nansemond County to Floyd R. Umphlette Sr. and Susie Brinkley Umphlette on June 20, 1928.

Mr. Umphlette graduated from Whaleyville High School and attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953. His 42-year career revolved around the peanut industry and agribusiness. He retired as Virginia-North Carolina Operations and Procurement Manager for Golden Peanut Co.

A past president of the Cypress Ruritan Club, Carrol was recently honored with a 60-year perfect attendance award; he was also named Ruritan of the Year and received the Distinguished Service award; Mr. Umphlette served on the boards of Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, the Suffolk Industrial Development Authority, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, and Tri-County Traffic Club.

Cypress Chapel Christian Church was a foundational element in Carrol’s life; he devoted countless hours to the life and well-being of the church. Three of the accomplishments of which he was most proud include leading the efforts to establish a new educational building, chairing the church sanctuary renovation, and celebrating the 250th anniversary of the church’s founding.

He served on the board of deacons and board of trustees for 50 years, and holds the distinction of Deacon Emeritus as well as Trustee Emeritus.

Mr. Umphlette was predeceased by his parents, and sisters Sarah U. “Betty” Bane, and Ona Sue U. Holleman.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Bettye Glover Umphlette; daughters Carol U. Meredith (Douglas), Cheryl U. O’Connor and Cindy U. Howell (Charles); grandchildren Lewis Carrol Meredith, Carter Douglas Meredith, Sadie Hosier O’Connor, Carrol Landon Howell and Page Elizabeth Meredith; brother Floyd R. (Bump) Umphlett Jr., and a very special sister-in-law Jean Glover Sutphin and her family.

A funeral will be held at Cypress Chapel Christian Church on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013, at 2pm. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Family Life Center Building Fund Renovation, c/o Cypress Chapel Christian Church, 1891 Cypress Chapel Road, Suffolk, VA 23434 or to the charity of your choice.

R. W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 W. Washington St, Suffolk is serving the family. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.