Richard M. Summerville

Richard Marion Summerville passed away peacefully on July 3, 2022, in Williamsburg, Virginia. He was born May 20, 1939, in Shippenville, Pennsylvania, to Max Miller Summerville and Marian Annabelle Dale Summerville.

He graduated from Keystone High School in Knox, PA, and Clarion State College in Clarion, PA. Richard earned an M.A. in mathematics from Washington University in St. Louis, and a Ph.D. in mathematics from Syracuse University. He also served and was honorably discharged from the Air Force Reserve.

He was chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Armstrong State College in Savannah, Georgia, for ten years. He had a twenty-seven-year career in academic administration at Christopher Newport University (CNU) in Newport News, Virginia, serving as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and then retiring as Provost of the University and Distinguished Professor of Mathematics, Emeritus in 2007. During this time, he was an active member of the Rotary Club of the Virginia Peninsula where he held several offices, including President in 2001.

Richard served on many accreditation review committees for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). He also served for several years on the board of the Military Installation Voluntary Education Review (MIVER) for the American Council on Education (ACE) and chaired many of the visiting committees. For his work, he was inducted into the Continuing Education Hall of Fame at the University of Oklahoma.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years, Carole Smith Summerville of Toano, VA, son Richardson Dale Summerville of Virginia Beach, VA, and daughter Jessica Rose Summerville Towers, son-in-law Kevin Robert Towers and two grandchildren, Clare Rose Towers and Cameron Bradley Towers of Middletown, Maryland.

He is also survived by two brothers, Max Miller Summerville, Jr. of Karns City, PA, and Daniel Carson Summerville (Nadia Sin) of Poland, Ohio; three brothers-in-law, Edward Smith (Roxie) of Southport, North Carolina, Thomas Smith (Cindy) of Clairton, Pennsylvania, and Kenneth Smith (Kelly) of Cape Coral, Florida; and many nieces and nephews – Max Miller III, Laura, Sara, Joseph, Jill, and Craig Summerville – Morgan, Shawn, Chris, Todd, Kreg, and Kaitlin Smith and Jennifer Warnock.

Richard is fondly remembered for his enthusiasm for teaching and inspiring others. His captivating storytelling and clever sense of humor made him a joy to be around. He loved gathering with family and friends and traveling, especially if the itinerary included a stop for a round of blackjack. He visited all fifty states and most of the Canadian provinces throughout his lifetime. Other highlights in his personal life included his beloved 1971 Volkswagen Beetle, his little black cat, “Woody”, countless trips to Busch Gardens for roller coaster riding and skeeball wizardry, and his everlasting appreciation for a good cigar or martini.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Spring Arbor of Williamsburg and At Home Care Hospice of Williamsburg for their care and comfort for Richard and the Summerville family.

A private service will be held by the family at a later date. Condolences may be made at http://www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.

Memorial contributions for the Richard M. Summerville Scholarship fund may be sent to The CNU Foundation, Christopher Newport University, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA 23606-3072.