Truman Martin Sunderland

I was born Truman Martin Sunderland on Saturday, February 6, 1943, in Columbus, Ohio. I was affectionately known as “Sonny” or “Chief”. My parents Samuel and Helen Turner preceded me to the kingdom. My brother, Marvin Sunderland, my sisters, Gloria McGraph and Vella Gregory, my sons Aaron (Kirsten) Sunderland, and Dynan Beamon, and my daughter, Mary Sunderland proceeded me in death.

I acknowledged God at an early age and strived to exhibit love and humility throughout my life. I rededicated my life in 1997 and was baptized at Greater Faith Deliverance Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

I graduated from Licking Heights High School, Columbus Ohio in May 1961. I enlisted in the Air Force in 1963; I reported to Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio Texas for military basic training. I graduated from Basic Training and Air Police Technical School in April and June 1963. I married Rosemary “Colbert” Sunderland in 1964, and we nurtured and loved four children.

My background was in various Law Enforcement, Confinement, and Police Investigative duties. My background also includes various duties in Morale, Welfare, Lodging, restaurants and Recreation at the squadron, base, wing, and major command levels. I flew non-combat missions with the United Stated Air Force (USAF) F-4 Fighter Jets.

I believed in education and realized early that education was a major key to success. I encouraged myself through education as well as others I encountered on my life journey. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of LaVerne, LaVerne, CA in 1979. I received my Master of Business Management (MBA) from Golden State University in 1984. I also completed Non-Commissioned Officer’s (NCO) School in 1976; NCO Academy at Kessler Air Force Base (AFB), MS in 1980; graduated from the Senior NCO Academy with honors at Maxwell, AFB, AL; and received my AAS degree from the Community College of the AF, Montgomery, AL.

I served my country proudly for over 30 years and received numerous awards and decorations throughout my service to my country. I was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with one device, Joint Service Commendation Medal, AF Commendation Medal with three devices, AF Outstanding Unit with one device, AF Recognition Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with three devices and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm and one device.

I saw the world as I served my country. I traveled to places such as Lackland, AFB; Oklahoma City, OK; Tinker AFB, OK; Shemya AFS, AK; Ellington AFB, TX, Phan Rang AB, Vietnam; Malmstrom AFB, MT; Sheppard AFB, TX; AF South AS, Naples Italy; Port Austin AFS, MI; Davis Monthan AFB, AZ; Langley AFB, VA; Virginia Clark AFB, Philippines; and George AFB, CA. I officially visited countries such as Japan, Korea, Ireland, Russia, Iceland, Greenland, Germany, and England. I experienced a grand time.

I leave behind my beloved wife, Phelicia Sunderland of Jacksonville, AR; my two sons; Truman M. “Benny” Sunderland Jr. and William M. (Ingrid) Sunderland of Oklahoma City, OK; my two daughters; Nana Monique (Sir William) Stewart and Shaialdy Synthia (JayR) Piggee of North Little Rock (NLR), AR; bonus daughter, Ebony Rainey of NLR; eighteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; my mother and father in law, Johnny and Mary Mason who were an integral part of my life; my sister in laws; Elizabeth Greer of Sallis, MS; Pharie Greer of Jacksonville, AR, Tonya Greer of Little Rock (LR), AR, and Bridget Mason -Johnson (Derick) of LR, AR; and one brother in law; Johnny Greer (Crystal) of Jacksonville AR; and I leave to honor my memory a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.