On Thursday January 14, 2016 Daniel Aaron Summer died in his home after a long and courageous battle with ALS at the age of 55. He was with his family and his loyal dog, Shiner. Dan is survived by his beloved wife Chandelle, and his children, who he adored, Joey, Jack, Jake, Jeffrey and Georgia Summer as well as his father Dr. Mory Summer and his sister Jenny.
Dan was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 29, 1960 to his parents Mory and Ghita Summer. The family moved to Dayton Ohio a year later where Dan lived until he graduated from The Miami Valley School in 1978. Dan attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison where he graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Economics with honors in three years. Dan moved to Atlanta Georgia where he attended Emory University Law School graduating in 1985. Dan spent his first five years in practice with the Hall County District Attorney’s office where he distinguished himself as a tremendously successful trial lawyer.
Dan entered private practice in 1989 with his wife and law partner Chandelle Summer where they practiced law together for over 25 years. Dan’s many significant contributions to the practice of criminal defense include a ground breaking genetic defense in a capital murder case, the repeal of mandatory life sentences for certain felonies, in addition to establishing new protections for criminal defendants at trial. Dan’s leadership in the legal community was recognized in 2011 when he was selected by the Governor to serve on the committee that appoints judges throughout the state.
One of Dan’s passions was his love for and the preservation of the historic treasures of this community. Dan realized his vision for the downtown square by restoring and renovating many of Gainesville’s original landmarks. One need only walk the downtown square to appreciate his architectural achievements and artistic contributions such as the Coca-Cola mural.
Dan will be further honored and lovingly remembered at a memorial service at Grove Street Station, 610 Grove Street, Gainesville on Sunday January 17, 2016 at 6:00 pm. Dan’s friends and neighbors are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to The Salvation Army 711 Dorsey Street Gainesville, GA 30501
Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200.
Online condolences at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.
