SUMMERS, COLLIER

Collier Summers, aged 75, of Atlantic Beach, FL passed away on the morning of Palm Sunday, April 9th, 2017 following emergency heart surgery in Tallahassee, FL.
He was born in 1942 to Leila Stephens Summers and William Ormond Summers, who was a wildlife warden at Myakka State Park at the time. Collier was a fourth generation Floridian who loved the outdoors and could often be found surf fishing along our beautiful beaches. He graduated from Sarasota High School and continued his education by earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida, a master’s degree from Appalachian State University, and a doctorate from Nova University. He was an academic advisor, counselor, and a psychology professor at F.J.C./F.C.C.J. (now Florida State College at Jacksonville) for 34 years.
In addition to his career in education, Collier was a Renaissance man who had many avocations. In his younger years, he was a member of a folk group that won a national competition which resulted in a record deal and concert tour. As a Jacksonville resident, he performed in numerous musicals, plays, operas, chorales, and other singing groups, including the Heritage Singers where he met his wife. He was a member of Unity Church of Jacksonville, where he co-directed the music for many years. He also enjoyed making pottery, playing tennis, fishing, golfing, gardening, cooking, and doting on his cat Winston. He had a beautiful voice, loved to sing and was always whistling as he cooked. His sudden passing reminds us all that life is short and every moment should be cherished.
A devoted husband and father, Collier will be greatly missed by wife Karen, his daughter Stephanie (Eddie) Lee, his daughter Katherine (Samuel) Kanupp, and his son Christian (Stephanie Brown) Summers. Predeceased by his parents and his sister Judy (Mel) Fry of Cary, NC, he is survived by sisters JoAnn Lowe of Sarasota, FL, Jacqueline Lupton of Pisgah Forest, NC, and Marybeth (Butch) Uebelhart of San Angelo, TX. He was an adoring grandfather to Noah and Makenna Lee, and a beloved uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He was also a dear friend to many people in the Jacksonville community. He had an outgoing personality, and he loved chatting with friends and neighbors during chance encounters at the grocery store or other places around the beaches. He also treasured his Monday morning breakfast group.
His presence will be deeply missed by the many who knew and loved him. An amazing man whom we will never forget and whose memory will always make us smile, his life will be celebrated at an event planned for June 10th.