June 5, 2026, 88, Goldsboro – John Richard Summerlin, 88, entered his heavenly home on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Lower Cape Fear Life Care in Wilmington.
Born in Wayne County on November 5, 1937, John was the son of the late Lee Summerlin, Sr. and Ella Anderson Summerlin. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Lee Summerlin, Jr. and George Summerlin, and his sister, Louise Summerlin Mohr.
John’s life was defined by service. Whether caring for his family, supporting his church, helping a neighbor, or serving his community, he lived with a quiet strength and genuine concern for others. For many years, he faithfully served the Mount Olive area as an insurance agent with Nationwide Insurance. More than simply providing policies, John built lasting relationships founded on trust, integrity, and friendship. Generations of families looked to him not only for insurance advice but for wisdom, encouragement, and a reassuring smile.
His commitment to the community extended far beyond his profession. John was an active participant in civic organizations, including Toastmasters and the Mount Olive Exchange Club, where he sought opportunities to invest in and strengthen the place he loved.
John enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. He loved spending time on the golf course and treasured the friendships formed along the fairways. As one of the founding members of Southern Wayne Country Club, he helped establish a place where fellowship flourished for decades. He also enjoyed fishing whenever the opportunity arose, but perhaps his favorite pastime was sitting in his rocking chair, sharing stories, laughter, and memories with family and friends. Those conversations became treasured moments for all who knew him.
Above all else, John’s faith in Jesus Christ guided every aspect of his life. A devoted member of Mount Olive Presbyterian Church, he faithfully served in numerous leadership roles and worked tirelessly to support the ministry and mission of his church. His steady faith, servant’s heart, and Christlike example left a lasting impression on countless lives.
While John accomplished much throughout his life, his greatest joy was found in his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and faithful friend. His family was the center of his world, and he spent his life caring for and encouraging those he loved. Many will forever hear his familiar words of comfort and reassurance: “Everything is going to be alright.” Those words reflected the confidence he carried throughout life—a confidence grounded in faith, love, and trust in God’s providence.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. at Tyndall Funeral Home, 1005 North Church Street, Mount Olive. A service celebrating John’s life will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel with Rev. Claire Colcord and Rev. Dr. Bob Barden officiating. Interment will follow in Wayne Memorial Park.
John leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 64 years, Maxine Teachey Summerlin; son, John Richard “Jay” Summerlin II and wife, Brandi Trott Bonds; daughter, Susan Summerlin Eason and husband, John; daughter, Rebekah Summerlin Tan and husband, John; grandchildren, Joshua Summerlin, Sarahbeth Eason, Daniel Eason, Rachel Eason, Josiah Eason, Christian Tan, and David Tan; step-grandchildren, Quade, Kyle, and Kara; sister, Marie Walker; along with many extended family members and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mount Olive Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 158, Mount Olive, NC 28365.
Though he will be deeply missed, John’s family finds comfort in knowing that the man who so often reminded others that “everything is going to be alright” now rests in the presence of his Lord and Savior, where all things have indeed been made right.
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