Charles Jesse Summers, Jr.
Charles Jesse "CJ" Summers, Jr., 69,of New Castle, VA passed away July 19, 2010 at Lewis-Gale Medical Center in Roanoke from complications of cholangiocarcinoma. Charles was born in Harrisonburg, VA, the son of Charles Jesse, Sr. and Charlotte K. Summers. He is survived by his faithful and devoted wife of twenty eight years, Sadie . In addition to his wife, Charles is also survived by his mother, Charlotte Summers of Harrisonburg; two sons, Charles Clinton Summers (wife Kathy) of Salem, VA and Benjamin Kirk Summers (wife Elizabeth)of Huntsville, AL; sister, Gay Lynn Summers of Harrisonburg; and grandson Charles Tyler Summers of Salem. He was preceded in death by his father Charles Jesse Summers, Sr. and brother Larry Clinton Summers.
Charles was an Army veteran having served in the Vietnam War with the Big Red One 1st Infantry Division's 26th Infantry Regiment (Blue Spaders). He was an active member, deacon and Sunday school teacher at Craig Healing Springs Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in New Castle. Charles attended Turner Ashby High School, Danville Technical Institute and the University of Virginia School of Electrical Engineering. Charles brought his many talents and managerial skills to companies across Virginia. His illustrious career took him worldwide including Project Manager for ARAMCO in Saudi Arabia. Retirement was not a part of CJ's vocabulary. Most recently, until his illness, he had performed government contract operations covering the majority of the east coast.
Mr. Summers was a wise, respected and knowledgeable man who brought comfort to many. He was well-read, an avid hunter and expert outdoorsman and woodsman. He enjoyed hunting with his long time friend J. P. Moore and his beloved loyal Airedale companions Sophie and Emma. The life of CJ Summers was one of giving, caring and love of faith and family.
The family will receive friends at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home located at 305 Roanoke Blvd., Salem, VA on Friday, July 23rd from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Services will be held at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, July 24th at 11:00 a.m. Following the service the processional will travel to the family resting place at Mt. Crawford Cemetery in Mt. Crawford, VA where military graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. and interment will be alongside CJ's father, Jesse and brother, Larry. We would like to say a special "thank you" to Dr. Paul Yeaton at UVA Medical Center and Martha Showalter, RMH Home Health Nurse for their continuing concern and care during CJ's illness. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Craig Healing Springs Christian Church at 6 Granny's Branch Road, New Castle, VA .
The world needs more men like Charles Summers. The living have lost a good man but heaven has gained another saint. I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8.