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Celebrating the life of
William Thomas Summerlin
October 26, 1926 - April 04, 2022
William Thomas Summerlin, 95, died peacefully in his sleep April 4, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Lucile, his sister Jeanne and his daughter, Patti.
He was born in Savannah on October 26, 1926. He was a 1944 graduate of Benedictine Military School and a 1948 graduate of the University of Notre Dame du Lac. He proudly enlisted in the United States Navy in WWII, after 2 previous attempts to join. Both times his mother had to tell them he was underage. He was a lifelong Catholic, an usher at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, a member of the Knights of Columbus #5588, the Tybee Island American Legion, Post 154 and the Hibernian Society of Savannah. He was an avid golfer and once played at Augusta National. He had a longtime career in the Maritime Industry.
He is survived by his daughters, Lisa and Stephanie; his sons, Billy (Laura) and Shannon (Paula); his grandchildren, Matthew (Kara), Patrick (Carol), Keenan (Ellie), Laura Elizabeth (Brennan), Shane (Paige), Lauren, Will (Samantha), Ben, Robbie, Josh, Anna Grace; his great grandchildren, Caitlin, Kiersten, Emma, Sean, Teague, Lila and Thomas. He loved his Savannah, his family, riding his horse in the St. Patrick’s Day parade, his collegiate boxing days, and ole BC. He lived by the motto, God, Country and Notre Dame. We’d like to think he was greeted at the Pearly Gates with a rousing, “Here Come the Irish!”
A visitation will be held Thursday, April 7 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. with a rosary at 6:30 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 8 followed by a Christian burial at Bonaventure Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you consider a donation to Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.
A candle has been lit!
MAY HE RIP WE ALL ARE GOING TO MISS HIM, JOHN F MELL
- MELL, Savannah, Georgia
Bill was one of the finest people I have ever known. He was a giving and kind person and I am sure he will be greatly missed. May God bless each of his family members and comfort them in their loss.
- Rebecca McBride, Savannah, GA
My heart goes out to your family. My brother and his Navy family ,also, love the sea. We enjoy all of God’s lovely creation and would like to do so forever. Bill will love life even more with paradise conditions. He got a good start examining the marine world realizing that pollution has even threatened some of these species. What a relief when only righteous people will be here to care for paradise. Psalms 37:10,11. 29 May we all be here to welcome Bill to the life and family he loved so much. May you be comforted at this heart breaking time. Ps 34:18 Soon we will be attending resurrections rather than funerals. Job 14:14 JW.org “Enjoy Life Forever” Love and Prayers, Sandy
- Sandy Wirfs, Monroe,, Louisiana
Denny and I are so sorry for the loss of your Dad. He was a wonderful hard working man and will be fondly remembered. Thinking of you all at this time and remembering the good times as well. In His love, Denny & Ginger
- Denny & Ginger McBride, Hendersonville , NC
So sorry for your loss but take comfort in knowing that a life well lived here on earth will surely be greeted with great rejoicing in heaven. Memory is one of God's greatest gifts. Keep those memories alive.
- Rosalea Donahue, Isle of Palms, SC
Shannon, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Doug Burford, TYBEE ISLAND, Georgia
Lisa and family I feel like I knew daddy! We are always talking about him! He had a amazing life and wonderful family. Always looking out for each other. God bless you! Thoughts and prayers. Love you
- Ann Jefferies, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
Lisa and family sending hugs, thoughts and prayers
- Cindy R Welsh, Savannah, GA
Savannah will miss you old buddy !!!
- Jimmy Traver, Aurora , Colorado
Shannon and Family, I am so sad to see the loss of your father, father-in-law, grandfather and great grandfather. It’s hard to image losing the cornerstone that is the foundation of many generations. As BC men, what we do best is fall in line even in tough times. My sincere condolences. Peace & Light
- Michael & Alison Doan, Savannah, GA
Shannon, I’m so sorry to hear about your father. I will keep you and your family in my prayers!
- Brian Welch, Odessa, FL
Mr. Summerlin was always so sweet and handsome! The perfect gentleman! Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Love, BettyAnn and Chris Di Silvestro
- Di Silvestro , Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
So sorry to hear of his passing. Many Hibernians in my 'clan'. I was born in Savannah (1954) but have never really lived there for more than a few months at a time. I have heard the Summerlin name many times, my Daddy Terence Powers was a BC graduate and military veteran too. He was born in December 1924 and also had to wait to join up in WWII like his brothers had, enlisted, and then off to West Point. The men of our parents' generation all served their country and community, in uniform and later in civilian roles. I am proud to have the Savannah Irish in my blood too. And proud to be a hibernian with men like William, my father, his brothers and their father too!
- Terry Powers, Springfield, VA
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this difficult time. He lived life to the fullest!
- Lorry Tso, Mount Pleasant , SC
Prayers to this wonderful family. I remember sharing Holidays. Seems like so long ago. He will always be with you as long as you have memories.
- Diane Lyon, Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
MAY HE RIP BRANDON M MELL
- JOHN MELL, Savannah, Georgia
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lisa, you have been a loving daughter. Your dad was a fortunate man to have your love and devotion. Blessing to you as you grieve for your loving father.
- Jack Little, Mt Pleasant, SC
Out heart goes out to all of the family in this time of grieve. Y'all have our deepest sympathy.we really loved Mr.Bill!
- Ebony Taylor and Bradley Broadwater , Savannah , Ga
Lisa, Stephanie, Shannon, Billy and family, Our thoughts and prayers are truly with y'all this day. Uncle Bill was loved by many and we will keep him in our hearts always. I have been reminiscing about our times at grandma's house on Tybee Island, do y'all remember we use to play hold your breath on the bridges to see who could hold their breath the longest and Uncle Bill figured out what we were doing and he would slow down when he got on the bridges! USC/Notre Dame football games will never be the same but will always make me smile. Love to all take care of each other. Michelle, Rusty, and family
- Michelle, Rusty and family, Lucerne Valley, CA
Lisa, Stephanie, Shannon, Billy and family, Our thoughts and prayers are truly with y'all this day. Uncle Bill was loved by many and we will keep him in our hearts always. I have been reminiscing about our times at grandma's house on Tybee Island, do y'all remember we use to play hold your breath on the bridges to see who could hold their breath the longest and Uncle Bill figured out what we were doing and he would slow down when he got on the bridges! USC/Notre Dame football games will never be the same but will always make me smile. Love to all take care of each other. Michelle, Rusty, and family
- Michelle, Rusty and family, Lucerne Valley, CA
So very sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers.
- Kelley Prouty Miller, Savannah, GA
My condolences graduated with Patrick. May God be with all of you in this hard time
- Luke Smith, Savannah , Ga
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Visitation
- 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Thu, April 07, 2022
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
-
7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive (map)
Savannah GA 31406 - 912-352-7200
- Rosary
- 6:30 p.m. on Thu, April 07, 2022
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
-
7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive (map)
Savannah GA 31406 - 912-352-7200
- Mass of Christian Burial
- 1:30 p.m. on Fri, April 08, 2022
- Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
-
1003 East Victory Drive (map)
Savannah GA 31405 - 912-356-6980
- Burial
- on Fri, April 08, 2022
- Bonaventure Cemetery
-
330 Bonaventure Road (map)
Savannah GA 31404 - 912-651-6843