Chief Melvin E. Summerlin, Sr., age 84, of Jones, AL, passed away May 21, 2013.

He was preceded in death by his wife of forty-nine years, Ruby Frances Shows Summerlin; daughter, Kimberly Summerlin DeRamus;  parents, William and Mary Alice Summerlin; brothers, C. W. Summerlin and Neuben Summerlin and sisters, Mary Alice Klinner and Ariel Walker.

He is survived by his sons, Buckey (Kim) Summerlin and David (Nita) Summerlin; grandchildren, Trey Summerlin, Kristina (Irvin) Lovinggood, Samantha (John Paul) Jones, Will Summerlin, Haley DeRamus, Shelby DeRamus, Mallory Summerlin, Trevor Bates, Cara Cooner and Jessica Bullard; great-grandchildren, Ty Paxton and Pratton Lovinggood and special friend, Patty.

Funeral services will be Friday, May 24, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Selma Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ed Eaton, Rev. Jason Doty and Rev. John Ackerman officiating.  Interment will be in New Live Oak Cemetery with Selma Funeral Home directing.  Visitation will be prior to the service from 9:30-11:00 a.m.

Pallbearers will be Trey Summerlin, Mike Benton, Randy Benton, John Paul Jones, II, Irvin Lovinggood and Trevor Bates.  Honorary pallbearers will be the deacons of Shady Grove Baptist Church and the Selma Police Department.

Chief Summerlin was a thirty-eight year veteran of the Selma Police Department, rising through the ranks from patrolman to Chief of Police.  He was a deacon and devoted member of Shady Grove Baptist Church and a longstanding member of the Fraternal Order of Police.  He was affectionately known as “Paw-Paw” to his family and “Slim” to city employees.

Surrounded by his family, Mr. Summerlin died peacefully in his sleep due to complications after heart surgery.  He lived for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He will be forever missed and never forgotten.

You may go online to view obituaries, offer condolences and sign the guest book at http://www.selmafuneralhome.com/.