Obituary of Johnny A. Summerall

JOHNNY A. SUMMERALL, SR. Machinist/Mechanic Johnny A.Summerall, age 90, died November 17,2015 in Winter Haven. Johnny was born April 10,1925 in Blackshear, Georgia to Allan J.and Jessie Lee King Summerall. He moved to Auburndale from Bartow with his parents in 1942. After attending Auburndale High School he served three years in the U.S.Navy during WWII. Upon his return to Auburndale, he married his high school sweetheart, Martha Cline. Johnny was a Member of First United Methodist Church of Auburndale, where he served as a Lay Speaker, Sunday School teacher, and held various offices. He was a lifetime member of Civitan International, and had the proud distinction of 40 years perfect attendance. He served as Secretary, Vice President, and President of the local club, and also as Florida District Governor. From 1947 until his retirement in 1984, Johnny was employed by the Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred where he helped to design, construct and test equipment used in the care and harvesting of citrus. Not known for his ability to sit still for long, Johnny was always working on something. Whether volunteering for civic or church events, or tuning up a car engine, he was a giver of his time and gifts. Even as his health declined, he managed to retain his warm smile and sense of humor. Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters. Survivors include Martha, his wife of 69 years; children Edward (Florence), John (Cheryl), Carl(Rhonda) and Lynette (Kim) Davis, grandchildren; David (Kellie) and Janna (Jay). He also leaves behind many other family members, too numerous to list.