Alray Sumpter Sr.

Alray Sumpter Sr. passed away March 14th 2026. He was a dedicated family man, accomplished professional, entrepreneur, and inventor whose life spanned continents and left a lasting impact on his community and the world around him.

Born to parents Brown Sumpter and Minerva Wallace Sumpter, Alray spent his early years pursuing education and opportunity. He attended Dillard University and earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration. His professional journey began in Monrovia, Liberia, where he worked for the Liberian government in finance. While serving the government, he also demonstrated his entrepreneurial drive by opening a Tow and Wheel Barrel factory in Monrovia. Both of his sons, Alray “Ray” Sumpter Jr. and Roderick W. Sumpter, were born in Monrovia during this period.

Due to political upheaval during the Ku De Ta (coup d’état), his company was forced to close, prompting him to relocate his family to Nigeria, first settling in Port Harcourt and later facing additional government challenges in Lagos. Undeterred, he eventually moved his family back to the United States, where he continued his career, including service with the IRS and later retiring from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in 2011.

Forever an innovator, Alray invented the Auto Diaper (autodiapers.com), an invention designed to help the United States meet EPA standards while supporting the economy. Even after retirement, he remained committed to bettering his community through ongoing work and entrepreneurial efforts.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Shirley Anne (Weldon) Sumpter, his granddaughter Tierra Simone Sumpter, his brothers, Harold Lloyd Sumpter and James Brown Sumpter, both deceased.

He is survived by his sisters, Loyce Sumpter Johnson and Joyce Sumpter Cato (Aunt Tiny), his sons Alray “Ray” Sumpter Jr. and Roderick W. Sumpter, great grandchildren Tymir Sumpter, Jaun D. Suriel and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Alray’s life was marked by resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to family and progress. His journey from international service in West Africa to inventing solutions back home exemplified a spirit of determination and ingenuity that inspired all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests continued prayers, in memory of Alray’s lifelong dedication to community improvement.

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