Obituary of Harry Dean Summers

Harry Dean Summers “Sonny”, 78, of Portland, TN passed away in his home on September 11, 2021. He was born on August 26, 1943, in Simpson County, KY to the late Harry Robert Summers and Viola Mathias Summers Hinton. He was preceded in death by his step father Henry Allen Hinton, brother Dwight A. Hinton, and grandson Jonathan Tyler White. Mr. Summers is survived by his childhood sweetheart and love of his life, Sue Evelyn Hinton Summers of 57 years, daughter Felicia Dawn White (Randall) of Portland, son Robert Allen Summers (Cynthia) of White House, TN, grandsons Austin White (Gillian) of Garland, TX and Craig Flora (Emily) of Cross Plains, TN, great grandson Morris Boone White and great granddaughter Clara Beth White. He is also survived by his brother and sisters, Darlene Goad (Willie) of Portland, TN, Mylinda Jane King (Phillip) of Bowling Green, KY, Henry L. Hinton of Portland, TN, and Cindy V. Brown of Bakersfield, CA. In 1962, Sonny graduated from Portland High School, and was a member of the football team. During his senior year, he was selected as the most valuable offensive lineman and TSSAA honorable mention team. Following high school, he attended Oakland City University in Oakland City, IN. In the mid-1960's, Sonny joined the United States Army. During this time, he served in the Vietnam War. At the conclusion of his military career, he received an Honorable Discharge for his military service. After his military service, he worked for Pirelli Corporation for 30 years and then the City of Portland until his retirement. Sonny was member of the Portland Church of Christ for over 50 years where he served as a deacon and elder for the church. He had a love for mission work and spreading the gospel to others. He supported mission work with the World Bible School, Eastern European Missions, and World Christian Broadcasting. He was also a part of several mission trips to Russia, Mexico, and different places across the United States. He enjoyed the great outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was able to find joy in every situation, especially with his family. He was loved immensely by his family and friends. Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at Portland Church of Christ with Shawn Montandon and Timmy Pardue officiating. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Gardens in Franklin, KY. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 14, 2021 from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and Wednesday, September 15, 2021 from 10:00 A.M. until funeral time at 1:00 P.M. at the Portland Church of Christ. Pallbearers for the service will include Austin White, Craig Flora, Phillip King, Willie Goad, Brandon Crimmons, Barry Johns, Gary Crafton, and Chuck Thornton. Honorary pallbearers will include Randall White, Henry Hinton, Bryon Goad, Kyle King, Joshua Johns, Dustin Hinton, Garry Mathias, Kenneth Mathias, JR Pugh, Archie Harville, and Phillip Hinton. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations be provided to the World Bible School, World Christian Broadcasting, or the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief.