Michael H. Summers, LTC US Army Ret

Michael Holmes Summers, 85, passed peacefully on September 1, 2026.

Mike was a highly decorated war hero, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Mike grew up in Fordyce, Arkansas where he excelled in academics, track and football. He was coached by Red Parker who would ultimately become the head coach at Clemson. After an undefeated season with his high school team, Mike had an opportunity to play football for Bear Bryant at Alabama but instead decided to serve his country by accepting an appointment to the United States Military Academy.

After graduating from West Point, Mike flew helicopters in Vietnam over two tours of duty. He received several honors while serving in the Army including ten Air Medals, three Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. After returning from Vietnam, Mike served in a lead role overseeing the instructors training Army helicopter pilots.

Mike was selected to be on the highly coveted US World Helicopter team that participated in the World Helicopter Championship in 1978. Mike was among the greatest helicopter pilots in the world at that time.

Mike’s work with Bell Helicopter earned him a position at the Pentagon where he was part of the team that ultimately produced the Apache helicopter. For his efforts at the Pentagon, Mike was awarded two Meritorious Service Medals and the Legion of Merit.

After 20 years with the US Army, Mike joined Pratt & Whitney where he later served as the Director of Operations for the Washington, DC office. Mike retired from Pratt & Whitney after 30 years. Mike loved to spend time with family and enjoyed playing golf, snow skiing, reading and gardening. Mike loved cheering on both the Washington Redskins and the Washington Nationals.

In 2020, Mike returned to Fordyce, Arkansas to be inducted into his High School Hall of Fame, joining the legendary Bear Bryant who attended this same school,

Mike is survived by the love of his life and best friend Marcia and an ever-growing family who will miss him dearly.

Services will be held on September 14, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Annandale, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Matthews United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Arlington National Cemetery at a date yet to be determined.