August 1, 2024, 88, Mount Olive —
Joseph L. Summerlin, Jr., known to most as Joe Summerlin, passed away Thursday, August 1, 2024. He was 88 years of age.
Joe was a native of Summerlin’s Crossroads in Duplin County, and after living in Goldsboro for many years, it was here that he returned to live in the same dwelling in which he was raised.
Joe graduated from Fork Union Military Academy and attended N. C. State University. For a span of over 20 years, he was employed by the N. C. Department of Revenue in its Fire and Rescue Division. Later he became a poultry producer, raising turkeys for Butterball.
Joe was a member of the Oak Wolfe Volunteer Fire Department and also had been a member of the Mar-Mac Volunteer Fire Department. He also served his fellowman through membership with Mount Olive Lion’s Club.
Mr. Summerlin is survived by his wife, Marilyn W. Summerlin, of the home; their children, Karen Rose Summerlin of California, Melissa Summerlin and fiance, Frank Maurice, of Burlington, Stephen Buckner and wife, Amanda, of Calypso, David Waters and wife, Christa, of Calypso, and Valerie Summerlin of Louisburg, wife of son, Glenn Summerlin, who died July 30, 2024. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Matthew Waters, Will Buckner, Cameron Buckner, and Genelle Waters; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Along with his son, Glenn, he was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Parker Summerlin; his father, Joseph Lillard Summerlin; his step-mother, Kathleen Summerlin; a sister, Jean Summerlin Askew and husband, Melvin Askew; and a young brother, Paul Summerlin.
Friends and family will gather on Sunday, August 4, for a 4:00 p.m. graveside service to be held at Summerlin Family Cemetery at Summerlin’s Crossroads. Officiating will be the Rev. Paul Rose, with words of reflection to be shared by Melissa Summerlin, Rouse Ivey, and Susan Askew. The family will greet friends at the conclusion of the service, first at the cemetery, and later back at the residence.
Flowers are welcome, or for those who wish to make a memorial gift, the family suggests Gentiva Health and Hospice, 2309 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
