James William “Bill” Summerlin

February 12, 1930 – January 8, 2020

James William Summerlin, better known as “Bill,” was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina, on February 12, 1930, to parents William Summerlin and Lucille Gregory Summerlin.

Before entering college Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served his country proudly as a medic.  It was during his time in the Navy that Bill forged lasting friendships with his raucous Navy buddies. Through the years, they dubbed each other with nicknames born of their time in the service. Bill was affectionately known to his Navy buddies as simply “Goose.” Before his honorable discharge he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal.

Upon his discharge he enrolled in Atlantic Christian College (today known as Barton College) in Wilson, North Carolina.  It was here Bill met the love of his life, a petite, sparkling blue-eyed beauty named Anna Dare Rowe. When first crossing paths on campus, Anna instantly turned on her heels and exclaimed to her girlfriends, “Who is THAT?!!!” Once Anna had set her eyes on Bill, he never had a chance. Their instantaneous courtship soon led to marriage.

Together, they had three children—Scott, Leigh Anne, and Stephen. Bill and Anna were also blessed with eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. Bill was a loving husband and dedicated father. He participated in his children’s lives as both a baseball coach and Cub Scout leader. He loved road trips with his family, which often entailed camping across the country en route to visit relatives in North and South Carolina.

Bill came to Texas A&M through the USDA as an entomologist to head up the newly developed research department dedicated to studying the effects of fire ants on livestock and agriculture. His contribution to this research was invaluable as it led to many effective methods of controlling the damage fire ants caused.  He was so accomplished and passionate about this work he became known to his colleagues as the “Ant Man.” Bill went on to earn his master’s degree and continued to work at A&M until well into his 70’s.

Bill was also a champion to many rescue animals through the years, always a happy dog at his feet or content cat on his lap. This was just one of so many things Bill had in common with Anna.  A mutual love for family, animals in need, gardening, tennis, and weekly dancing dates at Texas Hall of Fame kept them busy and bonded for 57 years.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Anna, as well as his parents and brother Greg and sister Jean. He is survived by his children, Scott Summerlin and his wife Suzanna Summerlin, Leigh Anne Summerlin and her wife Helen Martell, and Stephen Summerlin. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren,—Davis, Hanna, Amanda, Julianna, Parker, Reece, Taylor, Jordan, and great-granddaughter, baby June.

Bill Summerlin, 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 8, 2020. A Celebration of Life Service in his memory, officiated by Certified Life Celebrant Dawn Lee Wakefield, will be held at 4:00pm, followed immediately by a reception on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at Callaway-Jones Funeral and Cremation Center, 3001 S. College Avenue, in Bryan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts be made to Brazos Valley Hospice or Aggieland Humane Society, Urgent Animals of Hearne Robertson Country Texas, or  the local animal shelter efforts of your choice. Express condolences at CallawayJones.com.

Condolences

  1. All my love and heart felt sympathy to the family. I’m so glad I had a chance to spend some time with Bill in the last years of his life. A chance to see the two of them together to understand more thoroughly from where my great friend Leigh Anne got her unique beauty.
    Love,
    Katy Koonce

  2. Uncle Bill was a really great guy. He liked to box (I remember his boxing gloves hanging in a closet in my grandparents house in Goldsboro, along with his Marine uniform). He liked parades and pizza. And even though I had not seen him since my mother’s funeral, I still think about him and Anna. He made the world a better place.

  3. I thank him for the influence on my beloved and respected friend, Leigh Anne.
    He shall live on in Leigh Anne and her influence on those close to her as well as his precious grandchildren and, I’m sure, countless others.
    My regrets that I will not be able to leave Miami for the announced event in Texas. My thoughts are with the family.

  4. My heartfelt condolences to Leigh Anne, Scott, and Stephen. I’m sure Bill and Anna are now happily two-stepping their way across the universe.
    Love Stacey and Lexi

  5. So Sorry LeighAnn, Scottie and Steven for the loss of your father.
    Us Cox boys loved our Uncle Bill and he will be sincerely missed
    So, from your first cousins our heartfelt sympathy for your loss

    Love to all

  6. My Uncle Bill was a true gentleman. He was very friendly guy and I loved visiting with him when we traveled to Goldsboro. May he rest in peace. My condolences to Scotty, Leigh Ann and Stephen.

  7. Very sad to hear about the passing of our friend, Bill. We have many fond memories dancing on Tuesday nights with Bill and Anna at the Texas Hall of Fame. We have never met a finer person than Bill; he was truly an old-time Southern gentleman.

  8. My sympathies go out to your family. I worked with Bill at USDA-ARS at the lab on F&B Rd. He was just a good man. May the peace of our Lord be with your family.

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