Merritt Island Responds to 88-Year-Old’s Decades of Faithful Presence
MERRITT ISLAND — An 88-year-old Merritt Island man who has spent nearly four decades standing along North Courtenay Parkway holding Scripture signs drew new attention yesterday following an interview with Space Coast Daily.
In the video interview conducted by Giles Malone, Warren Sumrall shared why he continues his roadside ministry near Merritt Island High School. “I consider it an honor to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and to quote him publicly,” Sumrall said, adding that he trusts God’s word “will not return void.”
Sumrall, a former rocket scientist for IBM and pastor of what he calls the “curbside church,” said he has been standing along the roadway since 1987. He explained that his presence is intentional. “I’m here specifically for the students of Merritt Island High School,” he said. “I’m here at the time that they come to school.”
The Space Coast Daily Facebook post has resonated with the community, drawing more than 200 comments at the time of writing. Many Merritt Island residents expressed appreciation for Sumrall’s decades-long consistency. “Thank you to Mr. Sumrall, I always appreciated seeing him on school mornings! God Bless you, Sir!” wrote Susan Strannigan. Others noted they have seen him “every morning for years and years,” describing his presence as a faithful and encouraging sight.
Closing the interview, Sumrall offered a direct message: “To be a real winner in life, you must know Jesus, love him and serve him.”
After nearly 40 years on the same busy stretch of road, the man behind the sign remains a familiar figure on Merritt Island, continuing what he describes as a simple act of public faith and service.
Find the full interview on Space Coast Daily's Facebook page:
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