Carl Carlito Summers

Carl C. Summers, Jr.
Easley

Carl Carlito Summers, Jr., 73, loving husband of Francine L. Pole, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 1, 2020.

Born in DeLand, Florida, a son of the late Carl C. Summers, Sr. and the late Mary Neal Sexton, Carl was a highly distinguished retired combat veteran who served in the Vietnam War. He served his country proudly and with honor in the United States Marine Corps. After 17 years of service, Carl was honorably discharged after three combat tours and reaching the rank of Captain. Among his highest honors, he was awarded The Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, The Navy and Marine Corps Medal, and three Purple Hearts.

After a very successful collegiate athletic career in wrestling and football, Carl graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a Bachelor's of Arts degree in English. He then went on to earn his Master's Degree in Counseling from UTM as well. Carl's education led him to teach "at risk" teenagers, as well as coach a multitude of sports, and to be a role-model for many young people. The culmination of his time at the University of Tennessee at Martin occurred in 2010 when he was inducted into the UTM Hall of Fame for wrestling.

Carl was truly one of a kind. Determined, driven, dedicated, and the most hard-headed stubborn man to ever walk the Earth. He never met a stranger, and people were naturally drawn to his charisma and charm. Carl had an innate ability to bring out the best in people, and then the tenacity to demand even more. He could inspire people to greatness, motivate them to accomplish things they never imagined, and instill in them the type of work ethic that would carry them throughout their lives. Carl C. Summers, Jr. was and will always be known to all those whose lives he touched as one of the greatest men they have ever had the honor of knowing.

There is one more thing about Carl that his family and friends will always remember - his love. He loved the guys he grew up with, the men he served with, and the guys he coached. He loved his crews from Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida. He loved his brothers, Mike and Scott. He loved his daughters, Mandy, Andi, Ashley, and Shannon. But, most of all he loved his wife Francine, and he loved the life they built and shared together.

Finally, Carl C. Summers, Jr. was not a perfect man. He was not without flaws or regrets. Like all of us, there were shadows in his past. Yet, he lived his life the best way he could. He made sure to leave a lasting impression. A footprint in a world that is constantly growing, changing, and moving forward. Carl's memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him, and in the life lessons he shared with us.

Carl Carlito Summers, Jr. - Gone, but not forgotten! Semper Fi…Oorah!!!

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are three daughters: Andi Summers Lambert, Ashley Summers Worsham, and Shannon Knight; two brothers: Michael Summers and Scott Summers; six grandsons; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Carl was predeceased by his eldest daughter, Amanda Leigh Summers.

In lieu of a traditional memorial service, Carl wished to have a "Celebration of Life" that will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, 6437 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209 or to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory - Powdersville Road, Easley.