Matthew O. Summerlin

Dr. Matthew O. Summerlin, of Roanoke, Va., and formerly of Hagerstown, Md., passed away at his home on Monday, September 1, 2008. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 50 years, Jean Smith Summerlin; by his parents, Lessie Perry Summerlin and Matthew O. Summerlin, of Mount Olive, N.C.; sister, Lessie Summerlin Kabzenell; and brothers-in-law, Erwin Kabzenell, Joseph Robertson and Marion Barbee. He was born in Mount Olive, N.C., on September 29, 1922. Dr. Summerlin graduated from Mars Hill College and was attending Wake Forest College at the time Pearl Harbor was attacked. Matt had just been accepted by Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pa., tentative on completion of that college year. Instead he decided to join the United States Navy where he served 56 months in the Atlantic. During his last year in the Navy, he attended American University, then decided to go to Georgetown University School of Dentistry where he graduated with honors. Matt practiced Dentistry for 38 years in Hagerstown, Md., before retiring in 1987. He was a constant student throughout his professional career, studying with many greats throughout the U.S. and belonging to National and International professional groups. He served on the American Dental Association, Maryland State Dental Association, many councils and committees, as well as on the State Board of Governors; Washington County Dental Society (twice President); and the Academy of General Dentistry, where he was active as a charter member of the local chapter. He held memberships in the American Society of Preventive Dentistry, Federation Dentaire International, Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Dental Fraternity, and was Psi Omega Dental Fraternity Grand Master. He belonged to the Exchange Club of Hagerstown for 41 years, The Fountain Head Country Club for 45 years, and was past President of the Federal Little League. He was active in Hagerstown and Washington County in many fund drives. He helped found the Parent Child Center for prevention of child abuse. He served for seven years on the Board of Directors of Goodwill Council for Seniors. He belonged to various hunting and fishing groups over the years, and also enjoyed golf and sailing. Dr. Summerlin was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Roanoke, Va. He had been a member of First Baptist Church in Hagerstown, Md., where he served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Deacon and a Sunday School teacher.
He leaves his devoted and loving wife, Nancy Jean Lewis Summerlin, of Roanoke, Va., and formerly of Hagerstown, Md.; his daughter ,Gayl Harner and husband, Timothy, of Hagerstown, Md.; sons, Matthew O. Summerlin and wife, Valerie, of Towson, Md., and David D. Summerlin and wife, Kate, of Guilford, Conn.; five grandchildren; two stepdaughters, Kristin Jordan, of Hagerstown, Md., and Kimberly Sears and husband, Steven, of Charlotte, N.C.; stepsons, Barry Lewis, of Roanoke, Va., and Mark Lewis, of Hagerstown, Md.; seven stepgrandchildren; two stepgreat-granddaughters; two stepgreat-grandsons; sisters, Caroline Barbee, of Roanoke, Va., and Frances Robertson, of Albuquerque, N.M.; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
A special thanks to our friends at Carilion Hospice especially, Larry Jones and Dale Weddle, and to Laura Johnson, Nellie Barnes, and two very special friends, Wayne and Betty Wimmer.
A memorial service will be held in Mount Olive, N.C., at a later date. Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, 540-982-2100.