Billy “Bill” Summers, passed away on February 16, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of strength, service, storytelling, and deep love for family.

Born and raised in Cabin Creek, West Virginia, Bill often said that if you grew up there, you were made of legends and heroes. “You were tough if you grew up in Cabin Creek,” he would say with a grin — and anyone who knew him would agree that toughness, resilience, and grit were woven into the fabric of who he was. The hills and hollers of his childhood shaped a man who loved the outdoors and carried a deep pride for his roots throughout his life.

Bill graduated from East Bank High School and, at just 17 years old, answered the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States military and went on to serve bravely in the Vietnam War in the Special Forces Unit. His courage and commitment reflected the same fearless spirit he credited to his Cabin Creek upbringing.

After his military service, Bill pursued higher education at West Virginia University Institute of Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting with a minor in History. He built a distinguished professional accounting career, serving as an internal auditor for the West Virginia Department of Transportation, later as an international accounts auditor for Union Carbide, continuing with U.S. Borax, and concluding his career with Melitta, where he earned respect for his precision and global expertise.

An avid hunter, fisherman, and true outdoorsman, Bill felt most at home beneath an open sky. Whether deep in the woods, casting a line in the rivers of West Virginia, or swapping stories with lifelong buddies about the one that got away, he embraced every moment outside.

Bill was a storyteller like no other. He could captivate a room with tales of childhood baseball and football games played in Cabin Creek, family gatherings filled with laughter, and adventures from across the globe. Throughout his career, he traveled the world and delighted in recounting his visits to the Taj Mahal, journeys through Australia, and time spent in Italy and Asia. Yet no matter how far he traveled, his stories always found their way back to home.

He is survived by his three children, Travis Summers (Kailynn), Tiffany Gargiulo (Mike), and Trey Summers; he was a proud grandfather to six beloved grandchildren, Genevieve, Chloe, Summer, Bennett, Jackson, and Wyatt; sister, Janice Armstrong; sister-in-law, Peggy Summers; beloved nieces and nephews, Michelle, Joey, Jay, Amy, and Lea; he is also survived by his companion, Mary Meadows.

Bill was preceded in death by his grandmother, Pearl Lee Crum; his mother, Loraine Crum Summers McQuillen; his step father, Hap McQuillen; and his brother, Tom Summers.

His life was one of service, adventure, faith, grit, and love. He leaves behind not only memories but a legend — the kind born in Cabin Creek — told in stories that will live on for generations.

A service to honor the life of Billy will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, February 27. 2026 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston. Burial will follow in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar, WV.

Memories and online condolences may be shared by visiting www. snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.