Roland Summers was the "unofficial" Church History for many years and passed away in May 2004. We appreciated his willingness to help others learn more about their Friedens roots. His helpfulness and knowledge will be missed!
His obituary follows.
GIBSONVILLE — Lester Roland Summers, 77, of 2334 Wagoner Road, was born December 3, 1926 and died on Monday, May 3, 2004, at the Hospice Home. He was a native of Guilford County, and the son of the late Lester and Barbara Ada Whitesell Summers.
Roland was employed for over 25 years with E. F. Craven and later was employed by Wagoner Tractor Company, both located in Greensboro. He was a member of Frieden’s Lutheran Church, where he served on the Church Council, taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. He also served as the church historian helping to maintain the original church building. He served as the Fire Commissioner for fire district number 28 for 30 plus years. Roland enjoyed music and he played the stand up bass. He sang in a trio called the Evangeliars and performed bluegrass music with the Carolina Rangers in years past. Roland had the opportunity to spend some time with Earl Scruggs and Lester Flatt. He was the president of the Summers reunion for over 50 years. He was the announcer for the Circle S Horse Shows and also he helped with The Kopper Top Therapeutic Riding Center. Roland was a veteran having served in the U.S. Army.
Roland loved his family and he was like a second father to Cindy and Ludd. He taught his great-nephew, Bo, how to play the stand up bass and later gave him his bass. He loved life, his church and community and he never met a stranger.
Survivors include his brother and sister-in-law, Clarence Ludwick and Sylvia Summers of the home; a niece and her husband, Cindy Summers Poythress and David Poythress of Gibsonville; a nephew and his wife, Ludd and Shanna Summers of Gibsonville; great-nephews, Bo Cook and Trevor Summers, both of Gibsonville. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Floyd Summers; and his parents.
The funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at Frieden’s Lutheran Church by the Rev. Kristina Johnson, and the burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 this evening at Lowe Funeral Home and Crematory, and at other times at the residence.
Memorials may be made to Frieden’s Lutheran Church, 6001 N.C. 61 North, Gibsonville, N.C. 27249.