On July 12, 2013, an exceptional journey of life was completed with the passing of a very loved and special person, Thomas Eugene Somerville, Sr., 64, of Hollywood, MD. God's love eased Thomas' burden of suffering as he took Thomas to be with Him in heaven.

Thomas Eugene Somerville, Sr. also known to many a "Gene" was born December 19, 1948 to James Edward Sr. and Mary Evelina Hill Somerville. He was the second of nine children. James Edward Jr., Loretta Ann Carter, Charles Webster, Pernell Sylvester, Robert Jerome, Allen Francis, Patricia Marie and Gwynn Xavier were his siblings.

Gene received his education in the St. Mary's County Public Schools. He graduated from Chopticon High School in 1968. In 1965 at 17, Gene began working at the Golf Course on Patuxent River Naval Station. In 1968, he was employed at the Esperanza Car Wash and McKay's until being drafted into the Army to go to Vietnam in 1969. While in Vietnam, on May 5 through 20, 1970, Gene distinguished himself in combat earning the Army Commendation Medal. He received an Honorable Discharge on January 1, 1975. Upon returning from Vietnam, Gene returned to Patuxent River, working as a Supply Tech for 32 years before retiring in 2004.

Gene also worked 20 plus years as the Custodian at St. John's Francis Regis Catholic Church. He first started working there with his sons, Jermaine and Carlos; giving them their first jobs. He continued working at the church with his constant companion, his little brother Gwynn.

Gene met Agnes "Floraine" Yates in 1974 and began dating. They were married on August 31, 1979, in La Plata, Maryland. The couple were inseparable, they enjoyed doing a variety of activities together including crabbing, catering with A-1, entertaining family and friends, just taking a ride, or enjoying the grandkids. They were totally in sync, soul mates and best friends. Gene and Floraine, through 33 years of marriage, supported and loved each other dearly. He was her "Geanie-Beanie" and she was his "Chicken". He was a well-respected member of the community and we will miss him dearly.

Gene was a devoted and caring husband, dad, step-dad, grand pop, brother, uncle, brother-in-law and friend; as well as a spirited conversationalist and an enthusiastic host. He always warmly welcomed visitors, and was quick to share his thoughts about life and reminiscing about "back in the day." He cherished his family, especially the young grandkids, whenever they were around, he glowed. God had richly blessed him and his heart was full of thanks and love. Gene enjoyed taking the family down to the "creek" at Sotterly's for a ride on the boat. He enjoyed watching NASCAR Racing as well as Drag Racing. He had a passion for fast cars and had quite a few of them.

Thomas Eugene Somerville "Gene" leaves to cherish his memories: his life companion and loving wife, Agnes; his children, Jermaine E. Barnes of Hollywood, MD, Sean D. Yates of Hollywood, MD, Kneeca M. Somerville-Blackwell (James) of Lexington Park, MD, and Thomas E. Somerville, Jr. (Leah) of Lusby, MD; thirteen (13) grandchildren, Roy Person, Donesha Chew, Airiana Johnson, Jermaine Jr and Jadyn Barnes, Khalil Yates, Kareem Harris, Gabriella Yates, James Jr and Jaliyah Blackwell, Thomas III, Toby and Jasmine Somerville, Jackie Butler (Ralph) and Jewel Bonds, whom he affectionately considered his daughters, eight siblings, one brother-in-law, five sisters-in-law, a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, family and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his daughter, Katina M. Yates, parents, James E. and Mary Somerville, grandparents Edmund and Sarah Hill and James Blaine and Lucy.

Family will receive friends for Thomas' Life Celebration on Friday, July 19, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at St. John's Church, 43927 St. John's Road, Hollywood, MD 20636. Prayers will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.