Richard Llewellyn Sommers

1931 - 2025

Richard Llewellyn Sommers

March 23, 1931 - October 14, 2025

Rev. Dr. Richard "Dick" Llewellyn Sommers, beloved family man, pastor, and friend, passed away peacefully on the morning of October 14, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy of faith and integrity.

Born on March 23, 1931, in Richmond, VA, to Dr. Maurice Omar Sommers, a Presbyterian minister, and Jean Williams Sommers, Dick, along with his beloved sister, Jane Ross Sommers, spent his early years in Clinton, NC, and Marietta, GA. His family later moved to Raleigh, NC, where Dick fell in love with his lifelong sweetheart, Sarah Martha Newton. Graduating from Needham Broughton High School in 1949, Dick served as President of both the Senior Class and the N.C. State Student Council, excelling in both academics and sports. His auspicious beginnings led to a life of service.

Dick remained a faithful fan of his alma mater, Duke University, throughout his life, wearing Duke-emblazoned gear frequently. He played football and graduated in 1953 with a B.A. in English. His recognitions included All-State, All Southern, All South, and Honorable Mention All-America honors in 1952. He held numerous leadership roles and was named to Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

Answering a higher calling, Dick earned a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in 1957 and later his Doctor of Ministry in 1973. His pastoral career spanned over four decades, beginning in Asheville, NC (1957-1963), followed by Cheraw, SC (1963-1969), Lexington, NC (1969-1979), Fayetteville, NC (1979-1983), and concluding at River Road Presbyterian Church in Richmond, VA (1983-1999), where he served faithfully until retirement.

Dick and Sarah, married in 1953, lived a life rooted in love. Dick is survived by his sister, Jane Ross Sommers; his daughter, Sally Sommers (Tom Geiger); grandson, Paul Geiger (Margaret); and great-grandchildren, Thomas and Ellie, Richard (Rick) Sommers and wife, Teresa Rhodes; and grandson, Richard (Anna), Jefferson (Jeff) Sommers and wife, Sara Maynard; and grandchildren, Sally, Samuel (Grayson), and Polly.

A list of his accolades in no way captures the man. He loved the outdoors, hiking the Appalachian Trail, cycling, camping, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. He had a calming countenance, yet knew when to be firm as when he took a position in the Civil Rights era. An attentive listener, he offered both godly wisdom and human compassion. His career featured academic stints in St. Andrews, Scotland, and mission trips to Ghana, Mexico, and throughout the southeast United States. He served as Theologian in Residence for the American Church in Paris, France. One of his most esteemed honors was to receive the Pastor Emeritus title from River Road Presbyterian Church in 2010. The family wishes to thank the congregants of River Road for the attention and hospitality shown to Dick and Sarah, the routine, delicious meals, trips to the grocery store, rides to appointments, and loving companionship.

A beautiful story has come to an end. Its pages are filled with his articulate, kind, and raspy voice spun in sermons that shared the Gospel and thoughtful counsel that ministered grace. He loved knowing that he had touched the lives of others, often baptizing a child, later performing that child's wedding, then baptizing the couple's own! And while his breathing life has ended, with that twinkle in his eye and that ready smile, his example continues in all of us who were fortunate enough to know him and to love him.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at River Road Presbyterian Church, 8960 River Road, Richmond, VA 23229, on Tuesday, November 25, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to River Road Presbyterian Church's Endowment Fund.