Billy “Bill” Richard Rogers, August 15, 1935-November 11, 2021.
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, born to Otto Rogers and Susie (McCullar) in Y-City, Arkansas, passed peacefully on Veteran’s Day.
Bill joined the Navy at age 19 and was stationed in San Diego where he met the love of his life, Sondra (Yates). Before retiring to Y-City 20 years ago, they spent 47 years in San Diego raising four children. During the Korean War, Bill was aboard the USS Mount McKindley, where he participated in Operation WIGWAM. Operation Wigwam (central Pacific Ocean, 1955), was an underwater atomic bomb test. After his years in the Navy, Bill spent 6 years at General Dynamics on the Astro Centaur Rocket Program as an inspector. He then became a gifted salesman, and retired after 27 years, with Kraft Foods, Inc. He also enjoyed investing in commercial properties and stock market. Because of his hard work, he was able to retire at the young age of 57. He and Sondra returned to his hometown of Y-City, Arkansas in 2001 and built their dream home.
Bill and Sondra loved to entertain family & friends, as well as travel and camp. Together they also enjoyed music, dancing, and their coffee and lunch/dinner group.
Bill leaves behind his loving wife of 63 years Sondra, daughters, Julie (Rogers), Kristie (Chris Costa), Michelle (Brett Beatty), son Matthew (Darla Rogers) and grandchildren, Tyler Powell (Alyssa), Courtney Beatty, Shelby Parker (Josh), Cameron Beatty, Rachel Schneiderman, Austin Rogers, Hannah Schneiderman, Jake Beatty, & Chandler Rogers (Mallory). Great-grandchildren Wyatt Powell, Knox Parker, Ellie Parker & Bryer Powell. Siblings Marybeth McConnell, Bonnie Nix, and Bernis Rogers.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Ben Crump, Jimmy Rogers, Bernice Rogers, and Shirley Castleberry.
Services will be held Tuesday, November 16th, 2021 at 1:00 pm, at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home, visitation is from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Foundation.
Wounded Warrior Project
7020 A.C. Skinner Parkway, Suite 100, Jacksonville FL 32256
Tel: 1-877-832-6997
Web: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
