William M. Rogers, 71
August 7, 1953 – January 17, 2025
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
After a full life of service to his fellowman, dedication to family, and devotion to our Lord and Savior, Mr. William M. Rogers finished his race and won the victory as he transitioned from his earthly home, into his heavenly home on Friday January 17, 2025, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Iuka, MS, surrounded by those he loved.
Funeral Services honoring the life of Mr. Rogers will be at 1 PM Thursday January 23, 2025, in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home with Bro. Mac Lowery officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday January 22, 2025, from 5 PM until 8 PM at the Ripley Funeral Home. Graveside Services with Military Honors will be in County Line Baptist Church Cemetery in Walnut, MS.
Mr. Rogers was born August 7, 1953, in Fort Benning, Georgia, and was the son of the late Abram R. and Martha Alice Easterling Rogers. He was a graduate of Alcorn Central High School, before receiving an associate degree from Phoenix University. After a few dates with his sweetheart, Mrs. Mary Katherine Stewart, who is known as Kathy to many, the two married on June 30, 1973. Mr. Rogers enlisted in the United States Army the year 1979. Although they had to “move around like a couple of gypsies”, which they would often say, he and Mrs. Kathy was able to travel various places and see the world together. During his twenty years with the service, Mr. Rogers worked in military intelligence, assisting in collecting, analyzing, and sharing information to help commanders make decisions during conflicts and crises, and even having a hand in helping save lives that others never even knew about. Once discharged from his duties, he resided back to Mrs. Kathy’s home town of Walnut, were they planted their roots and raised a family. Mr. Rogers was employed with Built-Rite as a Lab Supervisor for five years, before his retirement.
A Christian of the Baptist Faith, Mr. Rogers was simple man that lived a life faithful to the Lord. His gentle spirit and easy-going personality were clear to see, as his favorite pastimes included tinkering on the computer, and watching science fiction shows on television, especially Star Trek, although he wouldn’t admit to being a “Trekkie”. He was a man of few words, never talking much about himself, but if you ever knew him, there was no truer friend to have. His family was first and foremost in his life and being a “Papaw” came natural to him, as he was unendingly proud of all his grandchildren, always supporting them. He was their voice of reason, backbone of his family, and his knowledge and guidance provided as a foundation to them. Mr. Rogers made an impact on each person he interacted with and leaves a trail of memories with all those who loved him most. Although we miss him deeply, we put our trust in God and look forward to that great reunion in Heaven someday.
In addition to his wife of fifty-one years, Mrs. Kathy, those left to carry on his legacy include two sons, Jeffery Wade Rogers (Michelle), and Joey Rogers, three sisters, Barbara Suggs, Leslie Black, and Cheryl Green, two brothers, Bill Rogers and David Cantelli, six grandchildren, Dustin (Brittany), Colton, Jayden, Lia (Ty), Sydney (Riley), and Jordan, six great grandchildren, Jackson, Ayla, Aiden, Brennan, Hudson, and Shiloh, and host of family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his biological parents, Dan Baker, and Sarah Cantelli (Ruben), two brothers, Robert Cantelli, and Phil Cantelli, and his grandparents, Dora and Earl Stanford.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mr. Rogers family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
