Paul Anthony Summey

June 21, 1969 - July 30, 2020

Paul Anthony Summey, 51, hit a walk-off on Thursday, July 30, 2020 and ended a lifelong rivalry with Type 1 Diabetes. Paul was a lifelong resident of Dalton, GA and a proud graduate of Dalton High School. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Diane Summey Cannon, and grandparents John Burton (JB) and Grace Summey and Robert and Grace P. Cannon. He is survived by his wife Eria Vali Summey, who loved him with wild abandon, their sons Gavin (15) and Landyn (13), father Rick Cannon, sisters Erica (Chris) Zimmerman, Kaley Cannon, Estrella Cannon, and Ginger (Joel) King whose unconditional love and generosity, by donating a kidney to her brother, ensured that he had 9 more glorious years to be with his family, brothers Austin Cannon and Aron Cannon, numerous nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and outlaws. Paul was one of those rare people who had a love of life and a profound understanding of what was truly important. He was a kind, gentle, loving, and devoted husband and father. He never let a single day pass without reminding his wife he had out-kicked his coverage when he landed her or telling his boys he loved them and was proud of them. Paul was also an adoring foster father to 11 additional children. Paul was deeply dedicated to making a beautiful life for his family — not perfect, but beautiful. He was an avid FSU and Braves fan. Paul was a long time referee for Whitfield County Parks & Recreation and relished the time he spent coaching his sons on and off athletic fields/courts. He was always up for adventure, laughed easily and often, had a good time wherever he went, never had a bad word to say about anyone, and was quick to lend a helping hand to someone in need. Paul loved Christmas and looked forward to watching Hallmark movie marathons every year. Paul had an incredible work ethic and was grateful for a wonderful work family at Electric Motor Sales. He attended Crosspointe Dalton. He was a great husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend - the absolute best. And most importantly, a child of God. He played the game of life with great passion and is now safe at home with our Lord and his mama. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2020, at 6 p.m. at The Miracle League Field. The service will be officiated by Paul Allen, John Jones, and Chad Young. The final line up (honorary pallbearers) will be Grant Allen, Blake Cannon, Billy Green, Rodney Holmes, John Paul King, and Brady Young. Music will be provided by Jordan Cannon, Ashely Johnston, and Kinsley Johnston. A memorial baseball game will conclude the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Paul’s honor to the Miracle League of Whitfield County, 774 Lafayette Road, Rocky Face, GA, 30740, or donate online at website www.whitfieldcountymiracle.com Arrangements have been entrusted to independently owned and operated Dalton Funeral Home, 620 S. Glenwood Ave. Dalton, GA 30721; 706-529-5371.