Joe Johnson "John" Summerford, II, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, businessman, and community pillar, passed away on January 21, 2025, following a recent illness. Born on October 16, 1950, in Mobile, Alabama, John was a source of strength and encouragement to all who knew him, embodying the essence of a life well-lived. He was 74 years old.
John was adopted at the tender age of six months by Joe and Sarah Summerford, a couple whose love knew no bounds. He was the blessing and gift they had longed for, and he flourished under their loving care, knowing they had chosen him. Raised in Ashford, Alabama, John's childhood was idyllic, filled with the simple joys of small-town life and the enduring friendships he cultivated there. It was at Ashford School that he met Pam Knight, the woman who would become his devoted wife of 57 years and the love of his life.
After attending Troy University, John returned to Ashford in 1970 to farm. His career took a significant turn in 1976 when he joined his father at Summerford Truck Line, Inc., a family business that would become his life's work. Following his father's passing in 1978, John took the helm and expanded the company, serving all 48 states and growing a dedicated team of 250 members. The many people who worked alongside him through the years were more than employees and were considered an extended family. His entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there; he founded Summerford Pallet Co., Inc. in 1994 and Summerford Cattle, Co., Inc. in 1995, driven by his love for the land and cattle farming. John loved to see a deep, green pasture with pretty red cows grazing, loved the solace that came from sitting quietly and listening to the cattle chewing the grass, and through raising cattle felt a deep spirituality saying that God was a cattleman like him and owned the cattle on a thousand hills.
John's life was marked by authenticity, loyalty, and a spirit that was both audacious and unassuming. He was a man of integrity, known for his dependability and honesty. John carried the blessings of his upbringing into adulthood, becoming a generous contributor to community events and serving in various roles in the community. His interests extended beyond his professional life. John’s sole motivation was always his love for his family. Many know him as a brilliant businessman, but his favorite titles were husband, Daddy and Papa. His business success was for him a way to love and take care of his wife, daughters, and dear grandchildren. John was deeply rooted in his faith and was a lifetime member of the Ashford United Methodist Church. He embodied the spirit of what the family heard again and again from many whose lives he touched, as they were told that he was one of the “last of the good guys”. He was a man of his word, a man’s man who led without fear knowing who was guiding his steps. John's success was not just in business, but in the countless lives he touched and improved through his kindness and generosity.
John is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Pam Summerford; his daughters, Nealy (Brent) Shirah, Julee (Chris) Lasseter, and Susy (Nathan) Spann; his grandchildren, J.J. (Haley) Clemmons, Sarah Shirah, Sam (Zoie) Lasseter, John Luke Lasseter, Summer Spann, Georgia Spann, and Jake Spann; his great-grandchildren, Jaxon Clemmons, Judson Clemmons, and Charlotte Jane Lasseter; and many beloved friends and family members.
A celebration of John's life will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ricky Plummer, Pastor Jerry Dawsey, and Pastor Sidney Miller officiating. John will be laid to rest in Ashford City Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to gather at the funeral home from 12:30-2 pm to share memories and support one another.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ashford Rescue Squad or a church of your choice.
John Summerford's legacy is one of a strong, honorable, and kind man who lived a life of purpose and passion. In his final days, he shared that he had always been a good man, but his 74 years had been lived at ninety-nine and a half percent. Through an intimate spiritual encounter he became a “one-hundred percenter” and would joyfully repeat the words “I’ve got it all” while he shared his great desire for everyone he met to have it all too. His memory will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known him, and his impact on the world will be felt for generations to come.
Sunday, January 26, 2025
12:30 - 2:00 pm (Central time)
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory
Sunday, January 26, 2025
2:00 - 3:00 pm (Central time)
Sunset Funeral Home
Livestream
Sunday, January 26, 2025
3:00 - 4:00 pm (Central time)
Ashford City Cemetery
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