Dennis J. Sommers

Born to Kathleen Laura on May 10, 1945 in Chicago, IL, Dennis graduated from Palatine High School and entered Navy service. He was accepted into submarine school in New London Ct. as a diesel engineman and served on the John Adams, USS Lafayette, HMS Repulse and USS Vesole. After discharge from the Navy, Dennis joined the National Guard as a combat photographer. While attending Clemson University he achieved his BS in Engineering and worked in the non-woven textile industry until becoming Chief Engineer at Elliott White Springs Hospital. Dennis’ varied professional engineering career led him to Mecklenburg County Government where he was a plans examiner and became the first SBCCI Certified Professional Code Administrator in the country. Upon leaving Mecklenburg County, Dennis started his own code consulting company and consulted on many of Charlotte’s high rise buildings such as the then named One First Union, Omni Hotel, BellSouth, Three First Union, Mint Museum, Knight Theater, Bechtler Museum and Duke Energy Buildings all with Batson-Cook Company of Atlanta.

Dennis never met a stranger and his many hobbies led to lasting friendships. He was an artist, avid scuba diver, sailboat and Ercoupe enthusiast, Coast Guard Auxiliary member serving on rescue boats with the U.S. Coast Guard at Station Fort Macon, amateur radio operator, and a world traveler steering our boat across the Sea of Galilee. His illness with cancer was confronted with an unwavering faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

A Service to Celebrate the Life of Dennis J. Sommers will be held 11:00 AM Monday, March 6th at East Baptist Church with Rev. Jon DeBell officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. An additional service to celebrate Dennis’ life will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, March 11th at Fishing Creek Presbyterian Church. Burial will be private.

Dennis is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 24 years, Sheila M. Sommers. He is also survived by a brother, Peter Sommers (Tracey) of Wadena, Mn. and sister-in-law Andrea M. Lambert (Wayne) of Charlotte.

The family wishes to thank the many doctors and nurses who guided us through this journey and for their care and compassion. We are especially grateful to UNC-CH Dr. Jared Weiss and Oncology Nurse Tammy Allred, Dr. Daniel Oberer, Dr. Kevin Roof, Dr. Robert Allen, Dr. John Powderly and staff, and Dr. Justin Favaro.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to East Baptist Church, 6850 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28212 or Fishing Creek Presbyterian Church, 3087 Fishing Creek Church Road, Chester, SC 29706.

Arrangements by Wilson Funeral & Cremation Service, 5301 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC 28212 (704-568-2106). Condolences may be offered at www.wilsonfuneralservices.com.