He was a well-respected and former owner of Cleveland Body and Fender Works for many years. During those years he made many lifelong friends and enjoyed their friendship immensely.
He was ordained as a deacon at Macedonia Baptist Church, Nov. 8, 1964, where he served and remained a member all of his life. He was also an Alhambra Shiner and Tennessee Vols fan.
Sgt. J.L. Rogers was a member of the 1418th Air Force Unit, from Jan. 1, 1943, to March 3, 1946. He was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, E.A.M.E Theater Ribbon with Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal World War II and Gov. R.R. 1-1-Demobilization A.R. for his service.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Anna Lou Kirkpatrick Rogers; and his parents, Sanford and Ruby Stafford Rogers.
Survivors include his loving and devoted wife, Jean, of Athens; daughter, Janice Lynn Rogers of Cleveland; stepdaughter, Karen Webb and husband, Allen, of Sweetwater; grandsons: Kirk Mantooth, Dylan Mantooth and wife, Catherine, all of Cleveland and Will Burrell of Sweetwater; his “bonus” daughter, Misty Eubank and husband, Charles; and his “bonus” sons, Anthony “Tony” Carroll and Dennis Lynn Carroll and their families whom he loved very much.
A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, August 4, 2011, in the chapel of Fike Funeral Home.
Interment will be held in Hilcrest Memorial Gardens with military honors and Dylan Mantooth, Kirk Mantooth, Will Burrell, Allen Webb, Tony Carroll and Dennis Carrols will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will include the deacons of Macedonia Baptist Church.
A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 this evening at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Macedonia Baptist Church, 3119 Spring Place Road, S.E., Cleveland, TN 37323.
You are invited to send a message of condolence and view the Rogers family guest book at www.fikefh.com.
