David James Somerville

David was born May 11, 1943 in Yonkers, New York. He grew passionate about becoming an active part of the Episcopal Church, so much so, that he became an Episcopal priest in 1968 and a bit later, as an Army Chaplain in 1975. Congregants and soldiers from all over the world were blessed through his service as one who trained others to observe God’s Way of Life. For over 50 years, David provided instruction, comfort, counsel, mediation, connection, prayers and support to those in his path as he journeyed through his earthly life. (He also created side splitting bouts of laughter in his family and friends with his story telling gift). David embodied an adventurous spirit. He lived life boldly! He was a solar eclipse chaser and traveled around the world, collecting lifelong friends during every adventure.

Besides preaching, David loved to write. He published articles within the Episcopal Church Publications. In 2003 he received an Honorable Mention from The Polly Bond Episcopal Communicators for his Editorial and Commentary-“The waiting bicycle on Fulton Street-Reflections on the year since last Sept.11.”

He is survived by his wife of the thirty years-Sherry/ son-Christopher and daughter in law-Lauren / daughter-Megan / step-daughter- Erika and Erika’s three children-Emily, Lauren and Thomas / his older brother Tom and Tom’s wife Barbara / sister in law-Betty/ and a hosts of cousins.

He died peacefully at the age of 83 September 16, 2026 at Heritage Oaks on St. Simons Island, GA after receiving the Last Rite from his Bishop, Rector, and Deacon. This was an honor David’s wife, son and daughter will be forever grateful to have been participants. The symbology of the united offices of David’s beloved church presence performing the last rite for him was a fingerprint of God for David’s family. David's breath began to slow around 3:20 pm. David’s wife and son symbolically laid David at Heaven's Gates. Jesus Himself was the first to welcome David into the Heavenly Realm as the grandfather clock David Somerville built from a kit chimed the half hour 3:30 pm.

From the Prayer Book Hymnal page 490 (last verse):

I’m look¬ing for the com¬ing of Christ;

I want to be with Je¬sus.

When we have run with pa¬tience the race,

We shall know the joy of Je¬sus.

Refrain: In Him there is no dark¬ness at all;

The night and the day are both alike.

The Lamb is the light of the ci¬ty of God;

Shine in my heart, Lord Je¬sus.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Honey Creek, 299 Georgia Episcopal Center Road, Waverly, GA 31565. Put on the “for line:” In memory of David J. Somerville. Honey Creek is the retreat center of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia. Since 1957, when the camp was created, Honey Creek has offered a unique place for retreats and other events. It has a 100-acre campus on a tidal creek that looks across the marsh to Jekyll Island on Georgia's coast. Visitors find peace among the stately live oaks and large pines of Honey Creek.