LANCASTER, SC ~ Robert L. Summers, 86, of Lancaster, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, at MUSC Health-Lancaster.  He was born July 29, 1935, in Lancaster, a son of the late Avery L. Summers and Annie Louise Threatt Summers.  Twice widowed, he was first married to the late Betty Williams Summers and then to the late Jackie Privette Summers.

A U.S. Army veteran and graduate of York Technical College, Summers was retired from Westinghouse and most recently was a driver's education instructor for Doctor Drive.

A gifted woodworker and welder, he was a founding member of the Gooches Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department and a member of New Cut Presbyterian Church. He was a former Cubmaster and Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America and chairman of the Old Hickory District, where he helped with the local Boy Scouts barbecues and also taught the Elgin Volunteer Fire Department how to barbecue. While serving as a Boy Scouts volunteer, he was honored with the Silver Beaver Award and was a vigil honor member of the Order of the Arrow. A 50-year mason at Fork Hill Lodge, he was also a longtime member of Hejaz Temple. He was an American Red Cross volunteer and served on the disaster action team for food service. After retiring, Summers became one of Santa's helpers in the area with all the money he made from that effort donated to his favorite charity, HOPE in Lancaster.

Mr. Summers is survived by two sons, T. Leland Summers, and his wife Sherri, and Gregory A. Summers and his wife, Jo, all of Lancaster; two grandchildren, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kevin Summers and his wife, Brittany, of Las Vegas, Nev., and Betty Jo Summers, and her special friend, Jace Parrish, of Concord, N.C.; two great-grandchildren, Owen Summers and Aubrey Summers; five sisters Peggy Stout, Edith Workman, Judy Dingler, Carolyn Summers and Toni Flynn; a special brother Eddie Cobb; a special friend Sybil Lynn; and his fur baby Sissy.

A Graveside Service to Celebrate the Life of Mr. Summers is 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, at Lancaster Memorial Park, with the Rev. Wayne Dickson officiating.  Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at Burgess Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the Summers' family requests that donations be made to HOPE in Lancaster, 2008 Pageland Highway, Lancaster, SC 29720.