Macclesfield –

Billy Ray Summerlin, age 71, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at ECU Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina. He was born in Wayne County on October 8, 1954 to Haywood and Beulah Howard Summerlin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Summerlin; grandmother, Gertrude Cherry and sister, Dianne Green.

He is survived by his daughters, Renaee Cooper (Tommy) of Pinetops and Emily Summerlin of Tarboro; sisters, Susan Adams (James) of Conetoe, Lynn Richwalski (Dan) of Chocowinity and Carolyn Edwards of Kinston; grandchildren, Thomas Cooper (Ashley), Justin Cooper (Logan), Taylor Cooper (Dillon), Hannah Roderick and Noah Roderick; great-grandchildren, Jude Bass, Ellie Denton and Kenny Denton; along with several nieces, nephews and other extended relatives.

A private memorial will be held at a later date.