Roger N. Somerville

Roger Nealius Somerville, son of the late Robert and Mary (Hicks) Somerville, was born on Thursday, March 31, 1932 in Macon, North Carolina. He went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 after fighting a lengthy illness. Roger attended Warren County High School in Wise, North Carolina. Upon completion of high school he was drafted into the Army and subsequently sent to fight in the Korean War. After finally being discharged, he relocated to Baltimore, Maryland where he soon met and married Janet Elizabeth (Hill). From that union were born a son Reginald Neal Somerville and a daughter Jacqueline Eileen Somerville. The family joined Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in 1977. He was later appointed trustee and served in that position until his health started to decline. As an employee of Bethlehem Steel Corporation, he worked alongside his brothers until he retired. Following retirement, Roger became actively involved with the 56th and 57th Tin Mill Club ( a social group of retired steel workers) where he spent time planning trips, selling tickets, and attending various events. He spent much of his free time with his grandchildren. Roger saw life from a unique perspective and was quite generous about sharing his thoughts with his family and friends. I guess you could say he was someone who seldom hesitated when it came to speaking his mind. He would say what hen thought, in the very same manner he felt it, with absolutely no apology except to say, “I’m just calling a spade a spade.” By the way, if you’re wondering why there aren’t many dates listed on this obituary associated with all of the significant events in Roger’s life, his response to your inquiry would be, “because it’s none of your business, that’s why” (firmly stated). “Now tell me (spoken with a smile), is there anything else you want to know?” But, it was in knowing Roger, which enabled family and friends to truly love him. Those closest to Roger expected to hear his opinions spoken in refrain- like a chorus of a song, repeated once, or twice, maybe even three times, and sometimes, maybe even for three days, but, once he finished, saying all that he felt needed to be said, Roger would turn around and do absolutely everything, and would give absolutely anything, to help a family member or a friend in need. He was loyal to his commitments, and supportive of his family and friends. If he said he would do it, he did it, no matter the sacrifice. Roger was a man of principles, values and integrity. He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife of forty-seven years, Janet; one son, Reginald and his wife Octavia; one daughter, Jacqueline Eileen Somerville; one sister, Mary Lorine Ackerman; one sister-in-law, Willie Somerville; two grandsons, Justin and Brandin; and one granddaughter, affectionately called “Princess Sierra.” The following siblings preceded him in death: Hattie Somerville Hailey, Robert, Eddie and Charlie. He also leaves to cherish a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Roger N. Somerville

March 31, 1932 - April 18, 2012