Reuben James Summerlin

Reuben James Summerlin, 44, died Monday, July 6 in Fiji when his bicycle was hit by an oncoming van. Since 2012 he has been Project Manager for Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme based in Suva, Fiji.

Born September 14, 1970 in Lynchburg, Virginia, Reuben is survived by his wife Diana; daughter Leah; son Isaac ("Ike"); by his parents Phil and Aline Summerlin of Signal Mountain; and Sherry Summerlin and Ron Cohen of Houston, Texas; by his brothers Joshua Summerlin of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida; Dan Summerlin of Signal Mountain; and Alex Cohen of Salt Lake City, Utah. Reuben also is survived by nephews Jack, Jake, Evan and Grayson; by a large extended family, and a host of friends and colleagues across the world.

Reuben graduated from Red Bank High School in 1989 where in his senior year he was president of the student council. Following his graduation from Memphis State University, Reuben served in the Peace Corps in Kyrgyzstan for two years. He loved the people of Kyrgyzstan and chose to remain there for an additional two years, becoming involved in microfinance benefitting persons in underprivileged circumstances. Then he worked in Haiti for more than a year doing similar work.

In 2001 Reuben returned to Chattanooga, married, and worked as an international consultant on matters related to microfinance for the next several years. In 2012 he was chosen by the United Nations to develop and manage a new program in several South Pacific island nations. Reuben and his family then moved to Suva, Fiji, where the program was to be based. It now functions successfully.

Reuben was a member of First Christian Church, Chattanooga, and served as an elder prior to moving to Fiji.

An athlete, Reuben was a bicyclist, swimmer and runner. He participated in several triathlons, and was a leader in the Cycling Fiji organization.

A memorial service will be held at First Christian Church, Chattanooga, at a time to be named later when his family has returned to Chattanooga.