February 22, 2016

Funeral for James Jackson “J.J.” Summerford III, 93, of Hartselle was Wed., Feb. 24, at 3 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Grad Tanner officiating.

Burial was in Hartselle City Cemetery with full military honors.

Mr. Summerford died peacefully at his residence Feb. 22, 2016. He was born in Pascagoula, Miss., June 18, 1923, to James J. Summerford Sr. and Ella Tanner Summerford. He was the second son of seven children born to this union. Ralph Tanner Summerford (deceased), Margaret Campbell, Birmingham, Stella Brown, (Glenn “Boots”), Birmingham, Louyn Summerford, (deceased) (Gloria), Rachel Fowler (Birmingham) and Hugh Summerford, (deceased), (Jeanette).

After the death of his mother, the family welcomed a new loving mother, Ruby Morris Summerford and four more brothers and sisters, Nina Johnson (Waymon) and Willie Monroe (Ed), both of Hartselle, Jack Summerford (Barbara) of Danville and Sandra Anglea (Jack) of Decatur.

After graduation from Falkville High School in 1942, he joined the U. S. Navy and served three years of active duty, primarily in the South Pacific Theatre aboard destroyer escorts. Following his honorable discharge, he attended Auburn University. He then became an iron worker as an employee at many different locations throughout the U.S. Returning to Hartselle, he owned and operated several small businesses in the Hartselle/Falkville/Decatur area. He was a high achiever and successful in all his endeavors. He was an avid gardener and horticulturist, producing many varieties of pecans, perfecting the “Frickie” grapes for viticulture, a bee-keeping expert – producing high yields of honey, a proficient mechanic, enthusiastic hunter, fisherman and golfer. He lived outdoors! His favorite relaxation was watching Auburn football and coaching from his armchair – “Tackle around the ankles!” He is now soaring with the Eagles and the gardens of Heaven will now grow and bloom more beautifully upon his arrival.

He is survived by his wife, of 61 years, Drady (Bobbie) McElroy Summerford, a daughter, Jan Beucker (Brian) of Lancaster, Penn.; two granddaughters, Patty Randolph (Jonathan) and Beth Reeves (Jason), six great-grandchildren, Kari, Heather, Brooke, Deidre, Shawn, and Breanna and four great-great-grandchildren, Braxton, Mason, Hannah Grace, and Landen; and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Jim Tanner, Greg Rich, John Coffey, Billy McAbee, Dan Robinson, Jason Summerford, Jeremy Summerford, Doug Summerford and James J. (Jim) Fowler,

The family respectfully requests in lieu of flowers that contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.