Robert Franklin Rogers

Robert Franklin Rogers, who passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family and friends on January 15, 2021.

Mr. Rogers was born on August 6, 1918, in Cordova, Alabama, to Robert (Bob) and Eliza Rogers.  Other than his parents, he was proceded in death by his wife, Carey, of 75 years; his two daughters, Helen Rogers Hare and Sandra Rogers Jackson; a daughter-in-law, Eva Sisk Rogers; his brother, Carroll Rogers; step-brother, J E Thompson; and sister, Arretta Harris. 

Robert Rogers is survived by his two sons, Bill (Yvonne) Rogers of Gainesville, GA and James (Bea) Rogers of Cleveland, GA, son-in-law, Royal (Kay) Jackson; grandchildren: Frank Rogers, Gainesville, GA, Jeff Rogers, Cleveland, GA, Barry (Shannon) Rogers, Graham (Amy) Rogers, Darrick (Suzanne) Jackson, Deticia (Hannes) Oosthuizen all of Cleveland, GA, Scarlett Hare Wickersham, James Hare and Julie Jones, and by marriage, Kismet Mikos (Bea’s); great grandchildren: Taylor, Cole, Clayton Rogers, McCall and Jackson Chambers, Haynes and Collins Jackson, Jessica Rogers Looper, and Adam Corbin, Megan and Cooper Gailey, Jessi Nubern, Chea Jones, Sabrina Armour, Erica Martin, Alex Hare and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Maxine Seabolt; special adopted family, Mike and Sherry Rogers and Tamra Bardenwerper.

Mr. Rogers was a self-educated man having only a 7th grade education, he was well read and self-taught, always thirsty for knowledge.  He met his wife, Carey Seabolt, they married April 24, 1936 in White County but moved to Augusta for the first part of their married life, soon to return to White County.  Their home was established where Rogers Ace Hardware is now, before it was moved to the northwest part of the county.

Mr. Rogers was working at the CCC Camp in Robertstown, GA before WWII when he met Carey.  These men were called on to help with the 1936 tornado victims in Gainesville, GA.  After the war, he and N.R. Seabolt spent a year abroad in Okanawa in1946 doing mechanics because work was scarce in the U.S. During this time, he perfected his trade as a heavy equipment mechanic. Later he opened his own shop in Cleveland in 1953 known as Rogers’ Garage and Bob’s Auto Parts, that he ran until 1963.  After that he and his son, James, took to the road, establishing R.F. Rogers and Son Trucking Co.  They both worked there until 1989 when they sold the trucks, Robert retired, he and James opened Rogers’ Ace Hardware.

During all these years, Mr. Rogers has been a friend and inspiration to many.  We believe he was the oldest living man to have his CDL license at the age of 100!  And he was still driving until the week before his death at 102! 

At the time of his death, Mr. Rogers was the oldest living member of Cleveland First Baptist Church where he and Carey first attended in the old “schoolhouse” church, and continued to raise their family there.  Special thank you to his caregivers, and the staff at NGHS Hospice.

Private Funeral Services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cleveland  First Baptist Church Sign Fund – P.O. Box 250, Cleveland, GA 30528.

To share a memory or to leave a condolence please visit www.barrettfh.com