Harold Richard Summers, Sr.

Harold Richard Summers Sr., affectionately known as “Big Harold”, was born in Columbia, SC on December 8, 1961. He was the beloved and only son of the late Hiram T. Summers and Elsie English Summers. He entered into eternal rest to be with the Lord Monday, January 23, 2023, at Prisma Health Richland in Columbia.

During his early childhood years, he attended Brown Chapel AME Church with his family. He believed in the Lord and accepted Him as his savior.

Harold was educated in the public schools of Richland District One  County attending Perrin Thomas and Rosewood Elementary Schools and was a 1980 graduate of Dreher High School  where he played on the Varsity football, and worked afterschool. He was also often found enjoying beats and rhythms even before “Hip Hop” became popular.

After graduating high school, he worked for various state health facilities as a Mental Health Specialist.  It was there he met his wife of 40 years, Deborah. He continued his career as a Medical Technician,  later earning his certification at Midlands Technical College and became a Machine Operator. Harold was not afraid of furthering his education, he continued his studies by earning his CDL, and became a Professional Truck Driver.

Harold had many hobbies but loved sports the most. Clemson, the L.A. Lakers, and the Raiders were his favorite teams. In his early adult life, he played basketball at the Commission of the Blind with his friends. Along with his wife, he also played co-ed baseball with Zion Baptist Church. In giving back to his community, he coached and mentored a flag football team with the Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands. There, he also coached a boys basketball team. Harold and Deborah worked as a team to treat the boys to McDonald’s after the games and give the players rides to and from the games. In his leisure time, he enjoyed watching Cowboys and Indians movies, snacking, and spending time with his lovely wife. Harold was loving, lively, and had a good sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Deborah Summers; daughters, Kimberly (Phil) Flowers, Deborah Latesha (Troy) Mauney; son, Harold Richard Summers Jr.; special cousins, Shirley Ann Clark, and Susan  Harris; aunt, Myrtis Randall Stevens; and his mother-in-law, Lila Hammock. He was especially loved and gave a lot of love to his nieces and nephews and other family members and friends. While they mourn his passing, they rejoice that he is now resting with the Lord.

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