Robert “Bobby” E. Summer Jr., 89, of Newberry, died Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.
Born on August 26, 1931 in Newberry, he was a son of the late Robert Earl Summer, Sr. and Pearl Lucille Beam Summer.
Bobby joined the National Guard during his senior year at Newberry High School and served until signing a USAF ROTC contract in 1951. He graduated from The Citadel in 1953, where he was a distinguished military student and a member of the Summerall Guards. He was a life member of The Citadel Alumni Association. His military service continued as he served 2 years in the United States Air Force in Strategic Air Command during the Cold War.
He retired as managing partner of Summer Insurance Agency after 45 years of service. In 1972, he received the Chartered Property and Casualty designation. Bobby later co-founded the Free Medical Clinic of Newberry County in 2004 alongside Dr. E. Eugene Epting. He served as Board Chairman for six years.
Bobby was a lifetime member of The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. He was active in his membership, serving multiple terms on Church Council and held the positions of Chairman and Treasurer. He also served as the Financial Secretary of the church and taught Sunday School for more than 40 years.
In addition to his military and church activities, Bobby was active in the Newberry community. He served as board member and president of the Association for a Greater Newberry, was a member of the City of Newberry Planning Commission for over 25 years, 10 of which he served as Chairman. He participated in the establishment of the Newberry County United Way and served as board member and president.
Bobby is survived by his children, Andrea Summer Cothran (Sam) of Charleston, Robert Summer (Kerry) of Chapin, and Mary Summer Robinett (Matt) of Birmingham; grandchildren, Summer and Mallie Robinett; sister, Laura S. Dominick of Prosperity; mother of his children, Catharine “Kitty” Summer; and beloved nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. Matthew Titus at 11 AM on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. Interment will follow at Rosemont Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday at the residence 2010 Harrington St., Newberry SC 29108.
Pallbearers will be William Summer, David Summer, Sam Cothran, Matt Robinett, Dale Mamele and George Franklin.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of The Gathering Sunday School class.
Memorials may be made to Lutheran Church of the Redeemer for ELCA World Hunger, or the Free Medical Clinic of Newberry County, Inc., P O Box 783, Newberry, SC,29108, or The Citadel Foundation, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston, SC 29409.
Posted in: The State
Posted on: 2021-06-04
Link to original obituary: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestate/obituary.aspx?n=robert-e-summer-bobby&pid=198908259