Life story

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Robert Stanton Somerville, Jr., (Bob) 95, passed away on Friday, February 7, 2020 at his home on the family farm, Maple Hill, in Mitchells. Born in Rapidan, he was the elder son of the late Robert Stanton Somerville Sr. and Frances (Holladay). He was preceded in death by his brother and wife, Lewis Littlepage and Helen (Bailey) Somerville; nephew, Lewis L. Somerville, Jr.; brother-in-law, Norman Wilhelm. Bob is survived by his wife of 72 years, Vera (Walker) Somerville; daughter Patricia A. Somerville of Christiansburg; son and wife, Walker and Rita (Riley) Somerville; grandchildren, Stephanie and husband Derek Emmel, Sean and wife, Natisha (Jenkins) Somerville; great-grandchildren Kaeli and Braden Somerville, Logan Stockton, Dylan and Faith Emmel, all of Mitchells. Also, he is survived by his sister, Mary Love Wilhelm of Madison Heights and six nieces and nephews. After graduating from Mitchells High School in 1940, Bob attended William R. Moore Technical School in Memphis, Tennessee, majoring in the electrical trade. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 and was stationed at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Washington D.C. until 1946. After serving his country, he was employed with Rochester Wire Ropes for over 13 years before joining the Culpeper Memorial Hospital shortly after it opened. He worked as the Chief Maintenance Engineer for over 28 years and retired to the family farm in 1989. Bob was a lifelong member of Mitchells Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Mitchells Presbyterian Church, 12229 Mitchell Rd, Mitchells, VA 22729. A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 23, 2020 at 2:00 pm at Mitchells Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Mitchells Presbyterian Church, PO Box 98, Mitchells, VA 22729 or Hospice of the Piedmont, c/o Advancement Department, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911. "