Walter Summer

Walter Baker Summer of Newberry, 64, died on Thursday, March 7 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

He was born on July 3, 1948, a son of the late Mary Baker and Claridge Walter Summer.

Walter graduated from Newberry High School, Newberry College, and the University of South Carolina Law School. He worked for the General Accounting Office in Washington, D. C. in the early 1970s and later practiced law in Greenville and in Newberry.

After his retirement from the law, he pursued interests in genealogy, politics, and music.

As an avid genealogist, Walter helped many individuals and families in their pursuit of elusive relatives. As a member of the Newberry County Democratic Party, he was a dedicated campaign volunteer.

As a loyal member of “the circle” at Newberry's music jams, first at Jezebel's and then at the Flying Pie, Walter supported local musicians with his attendance at performances and with a wealth of encouraging words for young musicians. Because of his great kindness to others throughout the years, he was affectionately known as "Uncle Walter" to many "relations by choice" in the community.

He was always present to support friends and family at theater productions, Opera House shows, and any community gathering in support of any good cause. Walter loved Newberry, its history and its people. Above all else, he loved playing with his adored grandchildren.

He is survived by: daughter and son in law, Kate and Kyle Wilson, grandchildren Ashley Rose and Malcolm Thomas Wilson of Greenville; brothers and sister- in-law, Henry B. and Sue Summer and Ralph B. and Susan Summer of Newberry; nephews Ralph Barre Summer and Walter Munson Summer of Newberry, and Ashley Boland Summer (and wife Danielle) of New York City; nieces Janie Summer Kitchens and Buford McCary Summer of Newberry; an aunt, Bettie Brown Summer of Newberry; a host of beloved cousins and friends.

Memorials may be sent to: the Newberry County Hal Kohn Memorial Library for the Genealogy Room, 1100 Friend St., Newberry, SC 29108; or The Newberry Opera House, 1201 McKibben St., Newberry, SC 29108.

Services will be conducted by the Rev. Mantle Nance at the chapel of McSwain-Evans Funeral Home on Saturday, March 9 at 3 p.m. The family will greet friends prior the service, starting at 2 p.m. Interment will follow Rosemont Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ralph Barre Summer, Ashley Summer, Munson Summer, Matthew Clyde Kelly, Thomas Batson Kelly and Jeff Smith.

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