Billy Summers
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.
my best man my freind
Prayers of comfort for the family. He always had a sweet grin and many stories when we’d visit Mama & Papa’s house.
I met Billy when we were 10 yrs old trying out for the Miami little league team. We played together on that team and the Rhonda pony league team. We later spent much time together deer hunting. More than those times together, Bill was a special friend who would
always be there to help and support me in any way. He is special and will be missed
I’m going to miss arguing with him so much! Rest in peace buddy!
I had the pleasure of taking some long hikes in the Maine woods and listening to your father talk about Travis, Tiffany and Tre. He was really proud of you. I will miss Bubba
I’m so sorry for the deep sorrow you’re feeling over the passing of Bill. Our family (Hap) always held Bill in high regard. On visiting dad & Loraine would bring me up to date on all of the families.
Keeping your entire family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the love around you and strength in the cherished memories you hold close.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. 🙏
I knew Bill for more than 20 years and the stories of his adventures are almost endless and most not even believable.
He was a man of deep faith and strong moral conviction, unwavering and extremely loyal. He was larger than life and it seems almost impossible to me that he has passed.
I spent a lot of time with Bill over many years and just to state the obvious, he was so immensely proud of TJ, Tiffany and Tres. He loved sharing stories about their lives and I suspect this continues even now. It was always very clear just how much he loved you all.
He will not be forgotten.
I am so sorry to hear about Bill 💔
I worked with him for a few years and he was always pleasant and fun to be around. I remember once I called him “Billy Bob”, and he said heyyy, that’s what they called me growing up! And I said oh sorry, and he said no don’t be, reminds me of home…
He loved life, his family and his faith, and I know he will be missed by so many…
Godspeed Billy Bob
Bill was definitely a great story teller and an excellent outdoorsman. The time I spent with him, Travis, and Trey hunting and fishing in WV, and with him, Travis, and Tiffany playing in their backyards and local woods in WV and FL, produced many good memories. He was a war hero to me because his service helped end the Viet Nam War before my 1-H selective service classification became a 1-A priority draft classification. Through the years he retained a strong friendship with my father, whom he lovingly called “Pops,” even while Dad suffered for many years with Parkinson’s disease. I hope Bill’s children will continue to relate good memories to his grandchildren, so they will have some sense of connection with him as they continue to mature throughout their lives.
I had the pleasure to work with Bill for over 10 years. He managed projects and transformed the operation to a modern day facility that still is the best in class. A master of stories, survival skills, and coming up with creative nicknames! RIP Bubba!
Although I didn’t kno Billy as well as most. It was a Honor and my pleasure to have met Billy and Mary. And I will treasure the memories of talking to him when I’d see him…… Rest Easy my friend
Bill was a real joy to work with at Melitta! He always made me laugh with his stories. And he even brought me some wild boar meat to try that his son got while hunting! I pray his family will find comfort in all their good memories of a truly great guy! Rest well Bill.