Billy Summers passed away suddenly at home on Monday, July 24th, 2017. He was 57.
Billy was born October 9th, 1959 in Denver, Colorado to Joan and Rufus Summers. Billy grew up in the Denver area and was a 1977 graduate of Westminster High School.
Those who know the Summers family well know that the sun rose and set around cars and racing. When Billy was a young child he and his siblings, Randy and Debbie, would spend their weekends at the racetrack selling programs and smelling high octane fuel. When Billy became old enough to work he got a job working for Alan Bockla at F&M Auto Parts at 17th and Federal. It was there that he would embark on a journey that would bring us to where we are today. Billy started his career as an engine machinist, working along side with his brother and best friend, Randy. From turning wrenches at the shop to working on their dragster in the garage at home, they spent all of their time together. They worked for Alan Bockla for 20 years before purchasing the business from him. Together, they then owned and operated F&M Performance and Machine and continued the longtime legacy know to many as F&M.
Over the past 40+ years of being involved in the racing and engine building community, the Summer Bros have created a staple that will never be forgotten. Billy met many of you doing what he loved and what he did best, building motors. The friendships that he gained cannot be quantified, and certainly they will not be forgotten. He treasured each and every person in his life in a special way, and would have done anything to help anyone. Billy was the one person you could always depend on; whether your need someone to enjoy a Coors Light with or you needed help with a project. He would have given you the shirt off of his back for anyone, at anytime.
Separate from his work and his friends, his family was at the center of his heart. He leaves behind his mother, sister, brother-in-law, niece, great-niece and extended family. While he never had children he loved his niece and great-niece as if they were his own. When his great-niece, Kennedy, describes her Uncle Billy she says, “he never gave up and he was a lover”. Those words are a perfect example of how others felt about Billy, and how he will be remembered forever.
A visitation will be held on Monday, July 31st from 7:00-8:30 PM with funeral services on Tuesday, August 1st at 10:30 AM, both at St. Joseph Catholic Parish, 969 Ulysses Street, Golden. Please honor Billy’s love for racing by wearing a pair of jeans and your favorite racing attire.
Following the services on Tuesday there will be a reception at Lamar Street Center from 12:00 – 4:00 PM, 5889 Lamar Street,
Arvada, CO 80003.
Memorial contributions can be made to:
The Race to Read Program - a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization
Checks can be made out to the Bandimere Family Foundation and mailed to:
Attention: Race to Read
In Memory of Billy Summers
3051 South Rooney Road, Morrison, CO 80465.
A donation receipt will be mailed to you for tax purposes
To plant a tree in memory of William "Billy" A. Summers, visit the
Tribute Store.
31
Jul
969 Ulysses Street
Golden, CO 80401
1
Aug
969 Ulysses Street
Golden, CO 80401
Word Service with reception following from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM at the Lamar Street Center, 5889 Lamar Street, Arvada, CO 80003. Please honor Billy’s love for racing by wearing a pair of jeans and your favorite racing attire.
