Granville Gene "Jack" Summitt

01/18/1935 - 12/16/2024

Granville Gene "Jack" Summitt, 89, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, peacefully passed away on December 16, 2024. He was born on January 18, 1935, in Corsicana, Texas, to Hallie Robinson Summitt and Granville Chester Summitt.

After graduating from Corsicana High School, Jack attended Navarro Junior College, where he was named All-Conference Guard on the championship football team in 1954. He received a scholarship to play football at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, but his football career was cut short by a serious injury sustained while working a summer job in the oil field. Throughout his recovery, he was lovingly supported by Joan Dell Curington, whom he married in 1956. Jack fully recovered, completed his studies at Lamar, and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in petroleum geology. While in Beaumont, Jack and Joan became the proud parents of a daughter, Lea Ann.

The young family returned to Corsicana to establish their home. Jack began working as a petroleum geologist for Southwestern Hydrocarbon Company. Later that year, their family grew with the arrival of their son, Mark Steven. In 1963, Jack joined Stroube Development Company, working alongside Mr. H.R. Stroube and Mr. W.C. Stroube—a professional relationship he valued for many years. Eventually, Jack was able to purchase his own drilling rig and equipment, enabling him to acquire oil leases and begin working independently. In 1970, Jack and Joan were blessed with another child, their surprise daughter, Laurel Jane.

Throughout his career, Jack developed numerous productive oil leases and wells in the Corsicana shallow field area. He also pursued graduate studies at the University of Texas at Arlington, taught geology and petroleum technology at Navarro College, and worked as a consultant for Navarro Waterflood Company and the Tarrant County Water Board. Always seeking new challenges, Jack constantly pursued projects and opportunities to expand his business ventures.

Jack was an active member of his community. He was a lifelong Freemason. He served as an usher and on various committees at the Methodist Church, coached youth football, and was involved with the YMCA board. He also served as president of both the Navarro College Alumni Association and the Corsicana Country Club. In his later years, he volunteered for The Civil War collection at the Pearce Museum and cherished the weekly fellowship of a special group of friends, the "R.O.M.E.O. s" (Retired Old Men Eating Out).

Of all his achievements, Jack was most proud of his family and the home he built. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joan; their three children Lea Ann Locke (Corbet) of Waco TX; Mark Summitt (Magaly) Corsicana, TX; Laurel Feinman (Jimmy) Lynchburg, VA; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two special cousins.

The family would like to thank the many excellent and loving caregivers of the Twilight Home, where Jack spent his final days.

Please consider making donations in Jack's memory to either the YMCA of Corsicana Youth Sports Program (400 Oaklawn Drive, Corsicana, TX 75110) or the First Methodist Church of Corsicana (320 N. 15th Street, Corsicana, TX 75110).

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11AM at First Methodist Church of Corsicana, with a reception immediately following in Martin Hall. Jack will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery, next to his beloved mother.