U.S. military community mourns death of leader at Mississippi’s Camp Shelby Training Center

Published 4:46 pm Tuesday, June 18, 2024

The U.S. military community is mourning the death of Command Sergeant Major Plez William “Trey” Summers III, a distinguished member of the Mississippi Army National Guard (MSNG), who died at home with his family in the early morning hours of Friday, June 14. He was 54 years old.

Summers, who had served as the installation command sergeant major for Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in Hattiesburg since January 2023, dedicated more than 36 years to military service. His career was marked by notable leadership roles and multiple deployments, including missions in Bosnia and Iraq.

A Brookhaven High School graduate, Summers enlisted in the National Guard in 1988. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving in various capacities, including as an infantry officer and non-commissioned officer. His extensive service record includes deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and numerous leadership positions within the MSNG.

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Summers’s funeral will be held on Friday, June 21, at Riverwood Family Funeral Services in Brookhaven. Visitation will take place from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by the service at 11 a.m. The interment will be at Kees Cemetery in Brookhaven.

Summers’ educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Mississippi College, where he was also a member of the 1989 Division II National Champion Football Team. His military education includes advanced courses in infantry and gunnery, culminating in his graduation from the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy.

His numerous awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Combat Infantryman Badge, reflect his dedication and valor.

Summers is survived by his wife of 22 years, Amy, and their three children, Jordan, Josephine, and Annabelle. His legacy of service and leadership will be remembered by all who knew him.