Sumner Smith
Memorial services for a 16-year-old Baylor School student who died due to a cardiac event at the Baylor pool on Monday will be Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Baylor School Alumni Chapel.
Visitation will be Thursday from 2-7 p.m. at the home of his mother, Dr. Robin Smith, and on Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the home of his father, Dr. Jerry Smith.
School officials said, "Sumner was a junior at Baylor School and attended St. Peter’s Episcopal School and Normal Park Museum Magnet School before enrolling in Baylor’s sixth grade in 2010.
"A talented athlete, he excelled in every sport he tried, including soccer, TAG gymnastics, Rivermont baseball, Hixson baseball, 11 years with the Chattanooga Area Swim League (CSAL), track, cross country, wrestling, and lacrosse. He loved extreme sports and was an avid wakeboarder, capable of many challenging tricks. He also enjoyed Community Service and Walkabout at Baylor. But it was swimming and later diving, at both Stuart Heights and Baylor, where he would find his focus and second families.
"He worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor at the Stuart Heights pool; was a member of the 2014 and 2015 Baylor state championship swim team; and also placed 11th in the 2015 state diving competition as a sophomore. From the oldest teammates to his little “minnow” George VonCanon, and everyone in between, Sumner loved his teams and coaches and they loved him in return. If you were near him, you were laughing. If you were far from him, his smile would draw you near.
"The family would like to thank the Baylor community, John Bonds, Jan Gautier, Laura Pittman, Brian Gill, Dan Flack and the entire swim & dive family. Also, the hardworking Hamilton County EMS, Chattanooga Fire Department, and Chattanooga Police; the Erlanger emergency team and ER staff who worked so diligently and tirelessly to save Sumner. We want to thank the class of 2017 for their beautiful gift at Coolidge Park; it was perfect. To all of those who shared the memories and painted the quad with their loving messages for Sumner, you knew him well and your outpouring of love is palpable. To all our extended friends and family, Stuart Heights swim community, St. Peter’s, Girls Preparatory School, McCallie School, Normal Park, TAG Gymnastics, and others too many to mention - thank you."
Sumner was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Carl Joseph Strobe and Robert Sumner Hampton, Jr. He is survived by his mother, Dr. Robin Smith; father, Dr. Jerry (Tanya) Smith; brothers, Ryan (class of '15) and Trey (class of 2021); sister, Alex (class of 2019); and step-sister Riley Baker, all of Chattanooga; a grandmother, Lynne Strobe, of Georgia; grandparents John and Jane Smith, of Tennessee, and his beloved golden retriever, Dakota. He is also survived by an aunt, Joni (Wynn) Batson, Tennessee.; uncles, Robert S. Hampton, III, Georgia.; Jeff (Kelly) Smith, Tennessee; and Jay (Shannon) Smith, Tennessee.; cousins, Jonathan, Jeremy (Laura) Batson; Jessica, Jacob, Tom, and Lily Smith, all of Tennessee.
A reception will take place in Baylor’s Guerry Dining Hall following the service.
A live video streaming will be available at www.baylorschool.org/sumnerfuneral.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sumner Smith Memorial Award at Baylor School, 171 Baylor School Road, Chattanooga, Tenn., 37405.