Obituary of William Summers

William "Bill" Russell Summers Jr. November 17, 1946 - March 4, 2011 William Russell Summers Jr. was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 17, 1946. He was the only son of five children born from the union of the late William Russell Summers and Virginia Daphne "Peggy" (Johnston) Summers. He attended Western High School and graduated with the Class of 1964. After graduation Bill was hired by the former Great Lakes Steel now National Steel in Ecorse. He worked thirty-three and a half years for Great Lakes from 1964 until his retirement in 1998. Bill served in many capacities over the years such as Electrician, Boiler Operator, and Instrument Repair. He was a member of the steelworkers local. Bill married the love of his life the former Nancy Carone on June 11, 1977 in Southgate, Michigan. He was a self declared "jack of all trades and master of none". Bill was passionate and a hard worker. He enjoyed tinkering, and he was never afraid to tackle a new project. Bill specialized in home improvement and repair. Woodworking and making birdhouses were some of his favorite pastimes. Bill was also an avid boater and enjoyed fishing on Lake Erie. He loved his family, friends, and his four-legged companions. William "Bill" Summers Jr. age 64 of Frenchtown Township passed away at 4:00pm, Friday, March 4, 2011 at his home. In addition to his father his passing was preceded by a sister: Janet Summers on December 15, 1991. To cherish his memory he leaves his beloved wife: Nancy of Frenchtown Township; a son: William Russell (Karen) Summers III of Athens, Tennessee; his mother: Virginia "Peggy" Summers of Temperance; three sisters: Carolyn (Robert) Mingione of Temperance, Marilyn (Hank) Hyde of Oxford, GA, Tricia Shea of Novi, MI; a grandson: Cody Summers of Athens, TN; many nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and nephews. Friends may gather from 4:00pm until 8:00pm, Monday, March 7, 2011 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 where a Celebration of His Life will be held at 11:00am, Tuesday, March 8, 2011. The Rev. Dave Miles and the Rev. Douglas Carone will co-officiate. Procession will follow to Michigan Memorial Park for burial. Memorial donations in Bill's name are suggested to American Cancer Society, ALS Research, or Angela Hospice. Online words of inspiration and comfort at www.merklefuneralservice.com; Life Stories page. A special thank you to Anne Marie Schoenemann for her assistance and to Angela Hospice for their care.