Roll Call Tribute

Dozier M. Sonny Summers
January 15, 1931 - October 12, 2022

D.M. “Sonny” Summers Jr., 91, of Hallsville went to be with his Lord and savior on October 12, 2022. Sonny was born January 15, 1931, to Dozier and Mary Jane Summers of Hallsville, Texas, a place he loved and where he would spend his whole life.

Sonny carried on a family tradition of raising cattle, from his father and grandfather. He developed a love of horses as well, whether he was working cows, or training them for horse shows. He was also athletic, playing football in high school and college.

While attending Kilgore College, Sonny was a football player for the Kilgore Rangers, and became enamored with a lovely Rangerette, Miss Dorothy Jean Gage. They married, and raised four sons, David, Ricky, Doogle, and Clint. Sonny enjoyed coaching his sons in baseball and would eventually build a practice field in one of his pastures, which was named 'Yankee Stadium'.

Sonny worked for Eastman Kodak for 43 years. After retiring from Eastman, he enjoyed traveling across the country, to many of the National Parks, and enjoyed scenery of the New England States. Sonny was an avid football fan. He played for Texas A&M his freshman year and Aggie football always held a special place in his heart. He was loyal to many of Hallsville's businesses, and the Hallsville Bobcats. You could frequently find him at Buchanan’s, Hallsville Floral and Gifts, Pools Chevron, or Miss Minnie’s Place. In his life he had two church homes. Sonny began his walk with Christ at First Baptist Church of Hallsville. He later attended Little Flock Baptist Church with his wife Julia before returning to First Baptist Church of Hallsville after her passing.

Sonny is preceded in death by his parents, Dozier and Mary Jane Summers, stepmother Mae June Summers, his first wife Dorothy Summers, second wife Alleen Isenhower, third wife Julia Ruth Summers, son Clint Summers, his brother Steve Summers, and daughter in law Theresa Summers.

Those left to cherish his memory are sons David Summers and wife Jana, Ricky Summers and wife Nakyta, Doogle Summers and Jeanette, and 7 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at 11 am, at the First Baptist Church of Hallsville. A celebration of his life will follow at Noon. A committal service will follow at Hallsville Cemetery in Hallsville, Texas.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Highland Park Home Health, Buckner Rehab, caretakers Janet Woods and Jeanette Plum, and friends Stanley and Kim Jones.