Mr. Thomas Keith Summers, 67, who was affectionately known as “Buddy” and “Sput,” entered into eternal rest on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Taylorsville, N.C. He was born on May 4, 1959, to the late Thomas Summers and Edith Darty Summers. He was also preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John and Ethel Bailey Darty, along with his paternal grandparents Rufus and Minnie Gardner Summers.
Thomas was a graduate of Kettering High School in Detroit, Mich. Before his disability, he was employed with Bassett Furniture Company in Statesville, N.C. He was also a member of Greater New Mount Olive Church in Statesville. For several years, it was nothing to drive by and witness Buddy mowing and assisting with the beautification of the church grounds (free of charge). He was never a selfish person, and loved helping people when needed.
For the last couple of years, Buddy’s home away from home was Millcreek Manor in Statesville. Surprisingly, he loved and adjusted to his new home, right from the start. Before entering the home, his hobbies included neighborhood yard work, spending time with family, and riding his bicycle (all over town).
He leaves to cherish memories of his life his sister/Guardian, Requal S. Murdock (Binky) of Statesville and Erin Z. Ramseur of Elkin, N.C.; and two other sisters, Karen Williams-Parker and Veronica S. Williams, both of Detroit, Mich.. Thomas is also survived by a half brother, Anthony Darty of Statesville N.C. Other surviving relatives include his aunts and uncles, Joyce Howard, Grace Summers, Gwendolyn Summers, Kathy (Rev.Glenn) Millsaps, and Ruthie Darty, all of Statesville, along with Larry (Geneva) Summers of Stony Point, N.C.
He is further survived by several nieces and nephews, including Tyric Ramseur, who assisted with his care. Special cousins to “Buddy” include Elaine Darty (Bloom) of Greensboro, N.C., and Jeffrey N. Darty of Statesville, along with his lifelong best friend Joseph (Tim) Bryant of Richmond, Va.
The family will receive friends on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 1 until 1:30 p.m. at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home in Statesville. The funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel beginning at 1:30 p.m., with Rev. Glenn Millsaps officiating. Interment will be held at Belmont Cemetery.
Special thanks to Blondie Harris and the staff/residents of Millcreek Manor, Dr. Craig Dubois and Dr. Dwight Billingham, both of Piedmont HealthCare, NP Charan Adams, and the staff of Valley Nursing Center, along with Robert Norman of Statesville.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Summers and his family.