Richard William Summerson

Richard William Summerson entered into the presence of the Lord peacefully on October 25, 2025, at the age of 92. He was dearly loved by his family and friends. He was born on January 16, 1933, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Wead Alfonso Summerson and Clara Hofman Summerson. As a young child, Richard's family moved to Miami, Florida, where he was raised. Toward the end of his high school years, Richard voluntarily joined the United States Coast Guard, serving from 1951 to 1954 during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, he began his career as a plumber in Miami as a member of Plumber's Union Local #519. Over the years, he advanced to foreman and general foreman, and ultimately became a plumbing inspector for the City of Coral Gables, Florida. Richard had a lifelong love of learning and curiosity about the world around him. He especially enjoyed reading about American history, telling stories of his past, water-skiing, ballroom dancing, traveling, spending time with family, and working on projects around the house. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Joyce Tyra Summerson; his children, Eric (Diane) Summerson and Christine (Steve) Jones; and Joyce's children, Tom (Joanne) Tyra, Michael (Michelle) Tyra, and Karen Nardoni. Together, their blended family brought him great joy, blessing him with nine grandchildren—Acelyne, Kendall, Cathana, Jackie, Thomas, Nicole, Jennifer, Brian, and Emily—and nine great-grandchildren.