Bruce Summerlin

[ernie ekberg]

Bruce W Summerlin 11-24-58 to 3-12-13

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It is with great sadness that I inform the forum of the passing of my husband, Bruce on March 12, 2013. Our motor-home and this forum were treasures to him and our family. He spent countless hours, learning, laughing and living the activities of this group. He enjoyed your advice, stories, adventures and your travels. Of course I will miss him, but I will also miss the opportunity to know each of you better and trade the stories of the road. God bless you and DRIVE SAFELY!




Bruce Winston Summerlin, 54, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, in Springfield, Oregon while on business travel. Bruce was born in Gainesville, Florida, and attended Oak Hall School, the University of Florida, and graduated from Florida State University. Beginning his career in Management in the textile industry, he enjoyed a dynamic career in Human Resource Management and Global Labor Relations with Milliken and Company, Shorewood Packaging, and International Paper. Bruce’s boundless energy and positive attitude impacted everyone he touched - his family, friends, and business associates. Some of his career highlights include building a manufacturing facility in China and HR leadership for International Paper’s acquisitions of the Weyerhauser packaging operations and Temple Inland Company. While living in Georgia, he was appointed by the Governor to lead the Georgia State Employer Committee where he was tasked with developing innovative workforce development. He was also Past Chairman of the United Way of West Georgia and was a leader in service to his local community. Most recently in his role of Director of Employee Relations Global Manufacturing, his innovative leadership style proved successful in forging new relationships with global union leaders. His consistent endeavors to develop young talent was appreciated by many employees throughout the organization. Bruce is survived by his wife of 26 years, Sally Robbins Summerlin. His beloved children also survive him, Lee Ira Summerlin, Christopher Bruce Summerlin, and Sara Louise Summerlin. Bruce also is survived by his mother, Louise Summerlin, brother, Paul Summerlin and step-mother, Mary Ann Summerlin. He is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Winston Summerlin, and sister, Lisen Summerlin Lewis. His love for his pets, Bowman, Peyton, and Millie, was an important part of his life as well. Bruce’s love for his family, and commitment to excellence, teamwork, and innovative leadership will long be remembered. He will be missed by many. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 16, at 11 a.m. at Germantown United Methodist Church in Germantown, TN. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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