William Earl Summerlin Sr.

Long-time Prattville resident, William E. “Bill” Summerlin, Sr., 80, passed away on April 6, 2024. Fondly known to all as “Wild Bill of Autauga Hill,” he was a fixture at local pawn shops, where he was an avid collector of guns, WWII memorabilia, model trains, coins, and antique toys of all sorts. Born April 12, 1943, in Montgomery, Alabama to the late Hubert M. Summerlin, Sr. and the late Lucille Summerlin. A retired firefighter with the City of Montgomery, he served for 20 years where he was known as fearless and dedicated by all who worked with him. He is preceded in death by a brother: Hubert Mack Summerlin, Jr. of Prattville, Al. He is survived by a large and loving family, wife: Rhonda Halteman Summerlin of Prattville; daughter: Pamela Summerlin Smith (Thomas) of Eatonton, Ga; son: William Earl Summerlin, Jr. (Rita) of Rock Island, TN, sisters: Ann Peak of Northport, Ala., Jo Clark of Prattville, Ala. Fay Prickett (Ren) of Cecil, Al., Sister-in-law, Alice Ward of Wetumpka; six grandchildren: Justin Summerlin (Jessica) of Millbrook, Amy Summerlin Reid of Prattville, Anthony John Farina of Tulsa Ok, Meredith Hope Farina of Atlanta, Ga, Ashley Lane Summerlin (Kaitlyn) of Cookeville, Tn., Allison Paige Summerlin of Colorado Springs, Co.; seven great grandchildren: Ella Summerlin of Prattville, Rush Reid, Cassidy Reid, Gunner Reid, of Prattville, Al., Paige Summerlin of Rock Island, Tn., Tony Farina and Vivianne Farina, both of Tulsa, Ok. and numerous nieces and nephews. He was beloved by all his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, which he considered his greatest blessing. Visitation is April 9 at 12:30 and funeral services at 2 PM will be held at Prattville Memorial Chapel, officiated by beloved nephew, William M. “Bill” Summerlin, of Wetumpka. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Gillespie Senior Center of Prattville to honor his memory. The Great Spirit Prayer translated by Chief Yellow Lark, Lakota, 1887 Oh, Great Spirit, Whose voice I hear in the winds and whose breath gives life to all the world. Hear me! I need your strength and wisdom. Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes ever hold the red and purple sunset. Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice. Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught us. Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. Help me remain calm and strong in the face of all that comes towards me. Help me find compassion without empathy overwhelming me. I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy: myself. Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes. So when life fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to you without shame.

William Earl Summerlin Sr.

April 12, 1943 - April 6, 2024