Obituary for Robert Lee Summerhays
Robert (Bob) Summerhays, Sr., 83, died October 9, 2022, surrounded by family at his home in Brevard, NC.
Bob was born in Mount Vernon, Illinois to Stella and Harold Summerhays. He attended Lyons Township High School in La Grange, Illinois. While attending Northwestern University, Bob met the love of his life, Diana. They married following graduation and moved to Binghamtom, NY where Bob began work as a programmer at IBM.
Bob joined the Navy in 1962 and was stationed in several locations as a member of the Naval Supply Corps. Following his active-duty service, he remained in the Reserves for several more years. Bob was a member of the East Maine (NY) and then Nanticoke (NY) fire departments. He enjoyed bowling, gardening, helping with the local Boy Scout troop, and supporting his two children in their various school activities.
Following his retirement from IBM, Bob and Diana moved to Brevard, NC. Their interest in history eventually led them to volunteer for many years in the local history room at Transylvania County Library. They extended their love of gardening to also include landscaping. As members of the Sylvan Squares square dance club, Bob and Diana enjoyed meeting other dancers from around the state. A love of travel led them around the world. Some of Bob’s favorite destinations included Australia, the South Pacific, Spain, Alaska, and Vermont. The latter was where he went to see his granddaughters.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife Diana; son Robert (Rob) Summerhays, Jr and his wife Tracy; daughter Barbara and husband Randy Palmer and granddaughters Sharon, Bethany, Nicole and Andrea; as well as a couple of nieces and a nephew, and their families. He is predeceased by his parents and his sister Shari.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Bob was born in Mount Vernon, Illinois to Stella and Harold Summerhays. He attended Lyons Township High School in La Grange, Illinois. While attending Northwestern University, Bob met the love of his life, Diana. They married following graduation and moved to Binghamtom, NY where Bob began work as a programmer at IBM.
Bob joined the Navy in 1962 and was stationed in several locations as a member of the Naval Supply Corps. Following his active-duty service, he remained in the Reserves for several more years. Bob was a member of the East Maine (NY) and then Nanticoke (NY) fire departments. He enjoyed bowling, gardening, helping with the local Boy Scout troop, and supporting his two children in their various school activities.
Following his retirement from IBM, Bob and Diana moved to Brevard, NC. Their interest in history eventually led them to volunteer for many years in the local history room at Transylvania County Library. They extended their love of gardening to also include landscaping. As members of the Sylvan Squares square dance club, Bob and Diana enjoyed meeting other dancers from around the state. A love of travel led them around the world. Some of Bob’s favorite destinations included Australia, the South Pacific, Spain, Alaska, and Vermont. The latter was where he went to see his granddaughters.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife Diana; son Robert (Rob) Summerhays, Jr and his wife Tracy; daughter Barbara and husband Randy Palmer and granddaughters Sharon, Bethany, Nicole and Andrea; as well as a couple of nieces and a nephew, and their families. He is predeceased by his parents and his sister Shari.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.