Ronald Charles Somerville

Smart, funny, creative, confident, always up for a good "discussion," eager to share, kind and giving, this was Ronald "Ron" Charles Somerville, 66, of Port Arthur, Texas. Ron passed away, Sunday, August 4 at the Neuroscience Institute, Memorial Hermann in Houston. Ron was born December 28, 1946 in Port Arthur to John and Clara (Van Hess) Somerville. He graduated Valedictorian from Bishop Byrne High School in 1965 and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electric Engineering from Lamar University in 1970. Following his graduation, he moved to San Antonio and started his professional career at Henry Bain Engineers. After nine years, he and a colleague started their own company, Somerville-Gonzales and Associates, Engineers, Surveyors and Planners. During these years, he was delighted to become the father of Ronnie, Lori and Ryan and he relished in the fun and excitement that three children can bring. He played tennis and golf and enjoyed having friends over for grilling and swim parties as often as possible. Ron's love for technology always had him on the forefront of emerging trends, making him one of the original computer geeks. He took this passion and understanding with him when he moved to Korea in the early '90s, working as a business consultant and teaching courses in English writing and business negotiations. He made his way back to Texas in the early 2000s and began caring for his parents while continuing his consulting business. Back at home, he indulged his growing love for golf and photography. When spending time with his grandchildren, nieces and nephews, Ron encouraged their development by challenging them to brainteasers and games requiring skill and strategy. His love for photography is abundantly clear to his loved ones among thousands of photos over the years, Ron is only in a few. He enjoyed capturing the things we typically take for granted, especially in nature and at family gatherings. He was able to see life for all its beauty and enjoyed sharing these images with family and friends. Ron deeply cherished the people in his life. He was dearly loved and will be missed. He is survived by his parents John and Clara Somerville of Port Arthur, his son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Darlene Somerville of San Antonio, daughter and son-in-law, Lori Randel and William Privitera of Austin and his son and daughter-in-law, Ryan and LeaAnn Somerville of San Antonio. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Darrell and Roxanne Somerville of Groves, sister and brother-in-law Mary Jo and Carlos Garza of Angleton, his grandchildren Scottlon, Allison, Shelby, Sydney, Matthew, Austen, Giovanna and Meredith as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, close friends and Tigger. Memorial service will be held at 4:00pm, Monday, August 12 at Levingston Funeral Home, 5601 39th St, Groves, Texas with Reverend D. Stephen McCrate officiating. Family visitation will be from 3-4 p.m., Monday at Levingston. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ron Somerville's name to the Memorial Hermann Foundation (memorialhermann.org/foundation). A special thank you to the Neurosciences and Heart and Valve teams at Memorial Hermann for their loving care of our father. The family would like to remind everyone to get a regular physical because our time with you is precious.