Robert Lee Summers

Robert Lee Summers, Age 72

Robert Lee Summers, born on February 16, 1953, in Glendale, California, passed away on September 5, 2025, in Maryville, Tennessee.

Robert was the beloved son of Cliff and Bo Summers. He was in his 50th year of marriage to his soulmate, Velda Rivers Summers and was a proud father to Brooke (Carl) Frizzell and Heather Stacey Summers, and a devoted grandfather to Skyler, Beau, Eden, and Ensley Frizzell — as well as his cherished grand-cat, Juno.

Over the years, Robert lived in many places across the country, including Los Angeles (California), where he spent most of his childhood; Lenoir City (Tennessee); Hot Springs (Arkansas), where he was baptized as a Southern Baptist; Selma (Alabama), where he was married and welcomed his first daughter; Destin (Florida), where he resided for much of his adult life and welcomed his second daughter; and Maryville (Tennessee), where he enjoyed time with his grandchildren.

Robert proudly served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Norton Sound during the Vietnam War. A gifted and creative man, he excelled at pursuing artistic expression through drawing, painting, jewelry making, and crafting unique packaging for loved ones’ gifts. His entrepreneurial spirit led him into ventures such as picture framing, construction, and watercraft repair. He also had a lifelong love of boating, sailing, and tinkering with new projects.

Robert will be remembered for his dry humor and quick wit, his love of music and movies, and the joy he found in playing with his pets. His endless curiosity inspired him to keep learning and creating throughout his life. With imagination and resourcefulness, he built a life grounded in creativity, resilience, and deep devotion to his family.

Robert is survived by his wife, Velda; his daughters, Brooke (Carl) Frizzell and Heather Stacey Summers; his grandchildren, Skyler, Beau, Eden, and Ensley Frizzell; his sister, Jane (Gene) Smith; nephew Aaron (Katherine) Ritchie-Smith; great-nephews Michael and Cole Ritchie-Smith; and great-niece Avery Ritchie-Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cliff and Bo Summers; his uncles, Ronald and Colin Cook; and his special pets Frisky, Rocky, Major, Bodie, Abigail, and Shiloh.

A visitation will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Appalachian Funeral Services in Sylva, North Carolina, with graveside services to follow at Carl Frizzell Family Cemetery in Sylva (109 Gribble Gap Rd.). Pallbearers will be Carl Frizzell, Skyler Frizzell, Beau Frizzell, and Aaron Ritchie-Smith.