Robert Eugene “Pee Wee” Rodgers, 84

August 11, 1941 – January 28, 2026

“When I knelt in prayer and humbly called His name, He answered my plea.”

With a faith made sight and a journey now complete, Robert Eugene Rodgers, known to many as “Pee Wee,” reunited with his beloved Evangeline and those who had gone before him as he walked the streets of gold in his Heavenly Home on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Diversicare Health and Rehabilitation, surrounded by those he loved.

Funeral services honoring Mr. Rodgers’ life will be held at 1 PM on Sunday, February 1, 2026, in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 11 AM and continuing until the time of service. Bro. Stacy Stark and Bro. Caleb Smith will officiate. Due to weather conditions, burial will follow at Blue Mountain Pentecostal Church Cemetery with no graveside service.

Born on August 11, 1941, in Blue Mountain, Mississippi, Mr. Robert was the son of the late James Thomas and Mary Ozella Bagwell Rodgers. He received his education at Blue Mountain School and, on June 17, 1961, married the love of his life, Mrs. Evangeline Jordan Rodgers, who preceded him in death on May 22, 2023. To Mr. Robert, it was love at first sight — a love that only deepened through the years as they built a home firmly rooted in Christian values, raised their children with devotion, and created a life marked by faithfulness and quiet strength.

A man defined by perseverance and an unwavering work ethic, Mr. Robert believed in an honest day’s work and rarely allowed himself to slow down. In his earlier years, he drove a truck for Bench Craft and Manesco before hauling grain for the Cotton Plant Cotton Gin — a task many would say no one did more faithfully or more often than he. His hands bore the marks of labor, but his heart carried the satisfaction that came from providing for those he loved.

Yet beyond his work, Mr. Robert treasured life’s simple blessings. A devoted Christian, his faith was not merely something he professed — it was something he lived each day. Weekdays often found him dressed in his overalls, tending to tractors, running his dogs while rabbit hunting, or sharing laughter and stories with his family. Sundays, however, were reserved for his very best — his finest clothes, his place in the pew at Blue Mountain Pentecostal Church, the nourishment of God’s Word, and the familiar melodies of the old gospel hymns he so dearly loved.

Though this world feels a little dimmer in his absence, we do not grieve as those without hope. Mr. Robert made certain his family knew where his eternal home would be, and today we rest in the assurance that he is finally home — safe in the arms of his Savior, walking hand in hand with his sweetheart once more. One can almost picture their joyful reunion and imagine him savoring a plate of her famous fried rabbit, smothered in brown gravy with hot biscuits, prepared with the same love that defined their years together.

What a profound comfort it is to know that, by God’s grace, there awaits a land far more wonderful than anything we have known — a place where love never fades, joy never ends, and reunions last forever.

Those left to keep his memory alive include one daughter, Marlene Cissom (Steve), three sons, Nelson Rodgers (Sandra), Kim Rodgers (Tonya), and Jason Rodgers (Angie), his twin sister, Mrs. Maxine Stark, his brother, Mr. Virgil Rodgers (Barbara), eleven grandchildren, Alyssa Anderson, Josh Rodgers, Ashley Johnson, Amber Clark, Dalton and Nathan Cissom, Kayla Reno, Shaina Robinson, Landon Witt, Tyler and Bailey Clemmer, seventeen great grandchildren, two great great grandchild, son-in-law, Bobby Otts, brother in law, Pat Spencer, sister in laws, Pat and Joyce Rodgers, and a large group of friends and extended family.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Robert is also preceded in death by his sister and brother in law, Mary Swattey (Loyce), his brothers, James and Dewayne Rodgers, his sister, Judy Spencer, his brother in law, Everett “Ed” Stark, and one great grandchild, Damian.

Ripely Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mr. Roberts family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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Visitation

Sunday
February 1, 2026
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral

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Funeral Service

Sunday
February 1, 2026
1:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral