James Son Summers
Funeral services for James W. “Son” Summers, 94, a lifelong resident of Nacogdoches, will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at the New Hope Methodist Church with the Rev. Brian Tyre officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Nacogdoches. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 23, 2011 from 6:00 Pm until 8:00 PM at Laird Funeral Home in Nacogdoches.
Son Summers was born on June 7, 1916 in Nacogdoches County, the son of Lonnie Summers and Ada Stevens Summers. He was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving from 1942 thru 1945 in the European Theater and the Aleutian Islands Campaign. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, four Battle Stars, and an E.T.O. Ribbon. After returning to Nacogdoches in 1945, Son married his childhood sweetheart, Johnnie B. Parmelly. They were married for 38 years until her death in 1985. Son worked for 35 years at Lufkin Industries. In 1988 he married his faithful wife Mary Elizabeth.
Son was preceded in death by his wife, Johnnie, his father, Lonnie, his mother, Ada, and three sisters, Mary, Louise and Mabel.
Son is survived by his wife of 23 years, Mary Elizabeth Summers, daughter, Mary Louise Peacock of Jacksonville and by his son Buddy Summers of Nacogdoches. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Rhonda, Nick, Sally, Ben and Justin, by nine great-grandchildren and his devoted nephew, James Hamby. He is also survived by a host of other close friends and extended family.
Pallbearers for Mr. Summers will include, James Hamby,James Delphi Hamby, Nick Peacock, Walter Hamby, Ben Peacock, Buddy Summers, and Justin Summers. Honorary pallbearers will include Steve Cox, Sam Cain, Mike Worsham, Bill Mac Nabors and Tony Dawson.
Son will always be remembered as a horseman and cattleman, but most of all a devoted husband, father and friend.
