Francis "Frank" Summers Jr.

1930 - 2018

Francis L. "Frank" Summers, Jr.

Charlottesville - Francis Lee "Frank" Summers, Jr., 87, husband of Nancy Elizabeth (Via) Summers, of Staunton, died Thursday, March 8, 2018, in Charlottesville.

Frank was born September 9, 1930, in Staunton, to the late Francis Lee and Iva Clinton (Baugher) Summers. After graduating from Woodberry Forest School, he went on to complete his bachelor's degree from Washington and Lee University followed by an LLD degree from the School of Law. While there, he played on both the basketball and baseball intercollegiate teams.

Frank was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, stationed in Hawaii. In 1956, Frank co-founded the Staunton law firm of Nelson, McPherson, Summers and Santos, where he was a partner for over 55 years. He also served on the executive committee of the Virginia Bar Association. He served as vice mayor for the city of Staunton and was active on the city council.

Frank was a founding board member of Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) in Weyers Cave (1965-1983) and worked closely with Gov. Godwin to start BRCC. He established the Frank and Nancy Summers Scholarship for the college. He was a founding member of the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton and presided as board chair of Staunton-Augusta County YMCA. Frank served as an elder at First Presbyterian Church and later as a member of Memorial Baptist Church, both in Staunton.

In mid-life, Frank assumed the role of "gentleman farmer" on the 365-acre family farm while still practicing law. Round Hill Farm, near Goshen, was the site of many family gatherings over several decades and was always open to friends.

A life-long, passionate golfer, playing on courses in the U.S. and U.K., Frank regularly "shot his age" during his many years on the golf course. He was a member of the executive board of the Virginia State Golf Association (VSGA) and, in 1980, won the VSGA Mid-Amateur Championship. In 1987, he played in the U.S. Senior Open Championship.

Frank is survived by Nancy, his wife of over 59 years, their three children, Francis Lee Summers III and wife Jane (Brown) Summers of Virginia Beach, Timothy Frederick Summers and wife Jennifer (Harris) Summers of Hickory, NC, and Susan Elizabeth (Summers) Andrews and husband Anthony Andrews of Bethesda, MD, and five grandchildren, William Francis Summers, Tyler Lee Summers, Timothy Frederick Summers, Jr., Katherine Lucille Summers, and Iva Lucille Andrews.

He was preceded in death by his sister Anne (Summers) Lumpkin.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday March 16, 2018 at Memorial Baptist Church in Staunton by the Rev. Mark Jones.

Burial will be private.

Memorial gifts may be made to Staunton-Augusta County YMCA, 708 North Coalter Street, Staunton, VA 24401, Blue Ridge Community College, Educational Foundation, Box 80, One College Lane, Weyers Cave, VA 24486, the Frontier Culture Museum, 1290 Richmond Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401, and First Tee of Hampton Roads, 2400 Tournament Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23456.

Henry Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.henryfuneralhome.net.

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