Billy "Bill" James Summers

Billy James “Bill” Summers, age 79 of Copperas Cove, passed away on the evening of April 9, 2020. Graveside services are scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at Restland Cemetery. 

Bill was born on March 24, 1941 in Gorman, Texas, to the late Merle, and Jake Summers of Comanche County. He grew up and attended school in Copperas Cove. He was first and foremost a family man; husband, father, and grandfather. He was also a cowboy, in his younger years. His horse was Freckles, a fixture in Bill’s cowboy work in the 60s and 70s.

Bill married Peggy Walsh, the love of his life in 1961. He built their house with his own two hands. Together they raised a loving family outside Copperas Cove.

Bill worked at Western Auto (Cove) as a service/product salesman. He was an extremely skilled craftsman, quick learner and expert in various aspects of farm and residential construction.  He assisted his family ranch with all agricultural operations. He worked for commercial construction among various contract companies at Fort Hood, San Antonio, and Dallas as field superintendant. Bill used his expertise to build two rental properties that would end up housing six soldiers and their families from Ft. Hood from the late 70’s to the turn of the century.  

He headed field operations of Topsey Water Supply in the 80s and 90s, serving his own family and hundreds of community citizens in the greater Topsey area northwest of Cove; a rural community he loved and cherished.  He co-led initial construction and later completed Crestview Christian Church in Copperas Cove. Upon semi-retirement he ranched, and worked as an electrician journeyman in partnership with a local businessman. Following semi-retirement, he focused completely on his family, and of course some leisure. His love for his wife, camping, and community led him to reside and assist management at Shady Oaks RV Park at Inks Lake where he served as a member of their welcoming group & handyman for several years. He made many friends and enjoyed fishing and story-telling.

Alongside his loving wife, he volunteered countless hours for several years during the 70s and 80s leading local Cub/Boy Scouts and assisting the Copperas Cove Quarterback Club. In addition, he volunteered several years during the 2010s at the Gatesville Care Center to help disadvantaged citizens.

He is survived by, his wife Peggy Summers, daughter Amy Summers-Cantu, two sons James (Scooter) and Scott, and three grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to an Alzheimer’s research group of the donor’s choice.