Coy Dwain Summitt

Coy Dwain Summitt, age 84, of Knoxville, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Coy was born in Madisonville, TN in 1940 and raised in nearby Vonore. After Graduating from Vonore High School, he worked for Hiwassee Furniture Manufacturers in Madisonville, making beautiful handcrafted wood furniture. He was called to serve in the United States Army in the 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment stationed in Fort Hood, Texas and Ansbach, Germany. Upon leaving military service, he graduated with an Associates Degree from Hiwassee College with additional studies at Roane State and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

He worked as an Electrical Engineer for TVA for 33 years, retiring in 1999. Three months later, having mastered his hobbies and completed all his retirement projects, he went to work for Mesa Associates in Knoxville as an Electrical Engineer for over ten more years.

Coy was an avid outdoorsman, going camping, boating, fishing, waterskiing, and hiking with family and friends at every opportunity. He enjoyed vacationing in Myrtle Beach, SC.

He volunteered as a leader in his son’s Cub Scout Pack, teaching conservation and outdoor skills and leading by example. During his second retirement, he enjoyed traveling all over the country with his wife, Jeanette.

Coy was a faithful member of Mount Olive Baptist Church in South Knoxville for nearly fifty years. He lived a life of humility, charity, love, and kindness towards all he encountered, according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. His service to others was the foundation of his everyday life.

Coy was preceded in death by his parents, John and Aretta Summitt of Vonore, and his brother Maxwell Lee “Buddy” Summitt of Vonore. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jeanette Wilson Summitt, brother Bill Summitt (Millie) of Sweetwater, sister Sue Patterson (Louis) of Talbott, son Kevin D. Summitt (Melissa) of Knoxville, granddaughters Melissa C. Summitt and Jessica L. Summitt of Nashville, step grandchildren Chloe Aiken and Samuel Aiken of Knoxville, and several beloved in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5-7pm on Friday, January 31, 2025 at the Berry Funeral Home in South Knoxville. A service will follow with Pastor Kirby Ownby officiating. Interment ceremony with military honors will be held at the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E Governor John Sevier Highway on Tuesday, February 4 at 12:30pm.