Mark Lee Summey, age 87, of Spindale, died Monday, February 10, 2014 after a brief stay at Hospice House of Rutherford County. Born to Edgar Graham Summey and Jonnie Webb Summey in Race Path, North Carolina, he grew up on the family cotton and dairy farm. Mark graduated from Ellenboro High School and enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. He served aboard the USS Wilkes-Barre in the South Pacific and also in the Korean Conflict.

Mark attended the Carolina School of Banking, and is a graduate of the Louisiana State University School of Banking of the South. He began his 39-year banking career at Union Trust Company, now known as Branch Banking and Trust Company. In 1955, he opened the first bank in Boiling Springs, NC, then later served as Vice President and City Executive of BB&T in Spindale.

Mark had a passion for service to his community. He was a Spindale Town Commissioner for 10 years, Treasurer of the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association for many years, a director of The Stonecutter Foundation, President of the Spindale Chamber of Commerce, Executive Board Member of the United Way, President and Board of Directors of the Spindale Rotary Club, and President of the Spindale Club. He received United Way's Outstanding Service Award, and under his leadership BB&T's Spindale office received United Way's Pacesetter award.

Mark had a strong and unwavering faith in God and loved his church. He was a long-time member of Spindale United Methodist Church where he faithfully worshipped and served on the Administrative Board, the Methodist men, led numerous capital and stewardship campaigns, taught Sunday School, and served as a lunch buddy with students at Spindale Elementary School.

Mark enjoyed golf, gardening, yard work, and cattle farming and was a self taught carpenter and woodworker. After retirement, he spent many hours in his “shop” making custom furniture for family members. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his family. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, always putting his family ahead of himself.

Mark's survivors include his wife of 57 years, Rachel Metcalfe Summey, three daughters, Jane Anthony Summey and husband Dale Mullennix; Sallie Summey Smith and husband Robert; Susan Summey Wilkening and husband Leif; nine grandchildren, Sarah Morse and fiancee Milton Marquez, Laura Morse, Anna Wilkening, Eric Wilkening, Luke Wilkening, Isaac Wilkening, and Timothy Wilkening; Aaron Mullennix and Amanda Mullennix, and many nieces and nephews.

Mark taught his children and grandchildren to live responsibly, to give more than they receive, and to care for the less fortunate. Mark never met a stranger. His sense of humor, zest for life, integrity, and strength of character have been a great inspiration to those who knew him. Mark touched the hearts of many people. He will be well-remembered and greatly missed by all.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 15 at 11:00 A.M. at Spindale United Methodist Church in Spindale, with the Reverend Bruce M. Jones officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM Until 11:00 AM Friday at the church. Burial will be at the Eternal Hills Cemetery in Spindale immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be made to Spindale United Methodist Church, East Main Street, Spindale, NC 28160, or Urban Ministries, 945 North College Street, Charlotte, NC, 28206.