Mr. Joel David Summers, 69, passed away Monday, January 2, 2017 at North MS Medical Center. He was born September 28, 1947 in Tupelo, MS, to W.T. and Jean Young Summers. He was a graduate of Belden High School and earned two BS Degrees as well as his Master’s Degree from Mississippi State University making him an avid MSU fan.
David married Janice Marie Chase on August 29, 1970. She was his wife for 46 years. He worked as an Agronomist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for thirty years before retirement. His greatest love and accomplishment in life was his family. He loved spending time with all of them, especially his grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He enjoyed cooking Sunday dinners and having fish fries for family and friends. He greatly enjoyed the great outdoors, fishing, hunting, and gardening. He was a very active member of St. James Catholic Church in Tupelo.
A Funeral Mass Service with communion will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 5, 2017 at St. James Catholic Church with Father Lincoln Dall officiating. Private burial will follow at Belden Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Holland Funeral Directors Tupelo Chapel with a Rosary Service following at 7:00 p.m.
Survivors include his loving wife, Janice Summers of Tupelo; two sons, Ryan Summers (Angela) of Saltillo and Mark Summers (Amanda) of Mantachie; one brother, Walt Summers (Ginger) of Belden and one sister, Janice Leach of Belden; mother-in-law, Wilma Chase of Buffalo, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Zachary, Lincoln, Evan, and Lila. He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Albert Chase and sister-in-law, Marilyn Comer.
Pallbearers will be Mark Hitt, Landon Summers, Troy Comer, Terry Comer, Chris Summers, Clay Taylor, Shawn Summers, and Brian Comer.
Memorials may be sent to St. James Catholic Church, 845 Lakeshire Drive, Tupelo, MS 38804.
