Paul Dean Summers of Bradford, Arkansas, departed this life on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at the age of 82. He was born April 25, 1940, at Ballew’s Chapel, Arkansas, the son of John Franklin and Tava (Reynolds) Summers.
Mr. Summers was a 1957 graduate of Tuckerman High School and attended Vocational school in Chicago where he earned a certificate in auto body and repair.
On June 12, 1959, Mr. Paul Dean Summers and Miss Shirley Jean Jiles were married. Together they enjoyed 63 years, raising their children and building a life together.
Mr. Summers was an instructor at Newport High School and taught auto body at White River Vo-Tech. He loved teaching and sharing his skills, and was instrumental in starting the Powder Puff Automotive class for female students. He was a member of VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America). Always a Ford man, he loved his cars.
Mr. Summers was an active and important member of his community. He was a charter member of the Bradford Jaycee’s, and volunteered his time to the Bradford Volunteer Fire Department for 32 years. Mr. Summers was a Boy Scouts of America Explorer Leader. He especially enjoyed being involved with the canoe races!
He was a devoted 50-year member of the Bradford Missionary Baptist Church, where he volunteered as a youth leader, and for the Church Food Ministry.
Most importantly, he loved his family and treasured every moment spent with them.
Mr. Summers was preceded in death by one son, John Franklin Summers; one brother, Charles Fred Summers; two sisters, Norma Sue Summers and Alta Louise Welch; and his parents, John Franklin Summers, Tava (Reynolds) Summers Hicks, and Henry J. Hicks
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley Summers of the home; two sons, David Alan Summers of Bradford, and Robert Paul Summers and wife, Cindy of Forrest City; one daughter, Shelly Mae Brown and husband, Mark of Austin; seven grandchildren, Steven Summers and wife, Chenoa, Andrea Summers, Wesley Summers, Chris Brown and wife, Danielle, Elizabeth Howard and husband, Seth, Corey Davis and wife, Samantha, and Jordan Sherrell and husband, Zack; five great-grandchildren, Madi, Barrett, Miley, Sloane, and Everett; one brother, Larry Jordan and wife, Kathryn of Newport; a great number of nieces, nephews, church family and friends.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the exceptional care Mr. Summers received from Dr. Frits van Rhee and all the staff of Infusion 6 at UAMS.
Friends may visit the funeral home, Sunday, November 27, 2022, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Bradford Missionary Baptist Church, with interment in Watson Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Steven Summers, Wesley Summers, Seth Howard, Chris Brown, Kenny Jiles, and Cash Jiles.
