Donald Summers

Donald Lavern Summers, 79 years of age, of New London, NC, passed away Friday, September 19, 2014 at Stanly Regional Medical Center in Albemarle, NC.

Donald was born September 25, 1934 in Benton, IL to the late Lavern Alton Summers and the late Lorene Evelyn Tennison Summers.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at Chandler's Grove United Methodist Church in New London, and will be officiated by Rev. Derald Smith. Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 24, in the Laurelwood Cemetery in Rock Hill, SC.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Mary Fennell Summers of New London, NC; three sons, Donald Lavern (Krista) Summers, Jr. of Selinsgrove, PA, David Lyle (Cindy) Summers of Southern Pines, NC, and William Pate (Julie) Summers of Spartanburg, SC; sister, Ruth Ann Crocker of Sesser, IL; and four grandchildren, Emily Anne Summers, David Lyle Summers, Jr., Rachel Ann Summers, and Tennison Drew Summers.

Don served his country in the US Marine Corp during the Korean War. He graduated from Erskine College, where he still holds the record for back to back grand slams in baseball. Afterwards, he was a high school teacher and varsity basketball coach in Hartsville, SC. Don was in sales at Sunoco Products, Plant Manager with Milliken and Company, and a Plant Manager for Dan River. His final occupation was as an Executive VP and General Manager at Sunbury Textile Mills.

Don was a Paul Harris Fellow with Rotary International, an avid golfer and member of the Old North State Club. As a believer in higher education, he was generous in his support of enabling many young people to achieve their educational goals.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Chandler's Grove United Methodist Church, 618 Badin Lake Road, New London, NC 28127; or Pfeiffer University, c/o Don Summers Memorial, PO Box 960, Misenheimer, NC, 28109.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Summers family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com