Delano Lee Cummings, 80, of Lumberton, NC, was born on August 9, 1945, to the late William Bill Cummings and Clara Jane Cummings and passed away on May 20, 2026, in Autumn Care Hospice House in Fayetteville, NC.

Mr. Cummings was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Ricky Cummings and Tommy Cummings and two sisters, Clara Gale Cook and Lillian T. Dawson, and his mother-in-law, Brenda Woods.

He is survived by his wife, Sabrina Cummings, his stepdaughter, Hermione McLamb, stepsons, Bailey McLamb and Tristian McLamb of the home, Father In Law, Delton Woods Sr., of Raeford, Brother In Laws, Dennis Woods, (Tasha) of Lumberton, Delton Woods Jr., (Melissa) of Raeford, Lawrence Woods of Raeford, Dean Cook of Florida, Jeff Dawson of Lumberton, Brothers, William B. Cummings (Alice) of Red Springs, Wayne Cummings of Shannon and Sister, Lorie Cummings of Shannon, Best Friends, Mr. Van Wilkins (Cookie) of Virginia, Mr. Pete Bell (Becky) of Saint Pauls, Mr. Rudy Jones (Rose) of Lumberton, Mr. Furnie Lambert Jr. (Elaine) of Maxton, Sam Revels of Virginia, the (professor) Rich and his wife, Sharon Gaston, Publishers and Editors of his books, Mr. David and Marian Novak of Virginia, Lenoard Harris of Arizona, Joe, Thom, and Rob.

Delano will be remembered for his military service and rolling down the Lumber River fishing trying to catch that big one. He was always writing and working on his next books. He went to school at Magnolia High with some of his lifelong classmates, that grew into his best friends throughout life. He attended Robeson Community College. He was a member of the Purple Heart Foundation and the Lumbee Warriors Association.

Mr. Cummings served honorably as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. Raised as the son of a sharecropper in Robeson County, North Carolina, he grew up a "farm kid" who understood the value of hard work, sacrifice, and responsibility from an early age.

After the passing of his father, he enlisted in the Marines, carrying with him a promise he had made to his father: that he would care for his mother and seven younger siblings. Throughout his life, he faithfully fulfilled that promise with strength, determination, and love for his family.

The hard work and discipline he learned growing up on the farm prepared him well for military service and the challenges he would face during his years in the Corps. Sergeant Cummings served three tours with Marines in Vietnam between 1966 and 1971, courageously fighting alongside his best friend PFC Albert Brigham in the jungles during one of America's most difficult wars. During his service, he participated in several patrols and, for his bravery and sacrifice, was awarded the Purple Heart.

Delano deeply loved and cared for his family. He would shoot guns with the kids, and do target practice or just going to the beach on vacation sharing dinners and laughs. He helped me raise my children and showed them the example of a genuine gentleman and what a father is like. Delano also raised Joseph Cummings for a while, they will forever cherish him and all the love he gave them along with all his nieces and nephews.

Delano cherished his country and remained proud of his Lumbee Tribe heritage throughout his life. In addition to his military service, he was the author of Moon Dash Warrior and River Dreams: Tales of a Lumbee Warrior.

Thank you to all the friends over the years that made life beautiful for him in so many ways. You guys stood by him and provided so much support throughout his life. In some of his worst moments in life you were there. I can’t put into words just how much joy you all brought to him. I am forever grateful to you all. Thank you so very much.