Johnathan Rogers Obituary

Jonathan Louis Rogers N. CHARLESTON - Jonathan Louis Rogers went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 16, 2010, after a very long period of illness. Jonathan's life was blessed with a faithful wife of 35 years, Peggy Louise Rogers Rogers: three wonderful children and one precious daughter-in-law who all cared so tenderly for their Dad: David Louis Rogers and his wife Rachael, residing in Orlando, FL, Melody Louise Rogers and John Matthew Rogers of N. Charleston. Left to mourn his loss are two loving sisters: Gertrude R. Rians and husband Charlie of El Paso, TX; Lu Anne R. Urowsky and husband Eric of Charleston; two devoted brothers: Paul H. Rogers, Jr. and wife Mary Lee of N. Charleston and James B. Rogers of Ft. Worth, TX; three nieces, two nephews, one grand-niece and three grand-nephews, along with many cousins, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents. Jonathan was born in Charleston, SC, on October 24, 1947, as the youngest son of Paul H. Rogers, Sr. and Louise Watkins Rogers, both formerly of the Mt. Ebal Community in Batesburg, SC. Educated at Chicora Elementary, Garrett High School and the Baptist College of Charleston, he completed the four-year apprenticeship program at the Charleston Naval Shipyard as a Boilermaker Mechanic, later attaining the rate of Automotive Mechanic in the Transportation Dept. Having followed his father's footsteps to work at the Shipyard, he held positions in a variety of departments during his 30 years of service: Boiler Shop, Plan & Files, Shipyard Supply, Shop Stores, Comptroller Dept., Public Works and retired in 1996 with the closing of the shipyard, having met and made many wonderful friends. Known for his physical strength, mechanical knowledge and hard work, Jonathan received multiple awards for Outstanding Service and maintained a top-level security clearance. Above all, he had a strong concern for the rights of others and fought for many fellow Shipyard workers as an active Union Steward, winning cases that went all the way to Washington for resolution. After retiring from the Shipyard, Jonathan began working for the City of N. Charleston in the Recreation Department at Armory Park. He later joined the Cultural Arts Department as a Program and Facility Assistant at Sterett Hall on the former Navy Base. He shared an office with his wife for almost twelve years before retiring in 2007, having participated in a multitude of cultural and civic events. Additionally, he worked as a part-time security guard for Trident Security during this time. Jonathan owned and operated Rogers Auto Sales & Salvage in Summerville, SC for almost 30 years. Many long, hard hours were spent working at the "lot". Although he favored antique and classic cars, his great wealth of knowledge and mechanical abilities stretched to every make and model of vehicle. Formerly a member of The Gideons International and the North Charleston Exchange Club, Jonathan realized the value of spreading the Gospel through the lay ministry and serving the community as an honest businessman. Born into a very musical family, Jonathan was blessed with a magnificent voice. As a child, he joined his brothers and sisters in the Rogers Family Singers. Under their mother's direction, the group of five siblings sang for church services and special programs, community events, beauty pageants and even made TV appearances. The harmony of their voices blended beautifully as they joined once again to sing for their parents 50th Wedding Anniversary in 1989. Jonathan continued using his voice throughout his lifetime. He formed and led a Southern Gospel group called the "Calvary Road Quartet", made a record with the "Tell The World Choir", and traveled and performed with the Baptist College Choir in the 1960's. He went on to serve as music director in several local churches until his health continued to fail in 2007. Among the congregations he loved and served were Wando Woods Baptist, Hillcrest Baptist, the Charleston Air Force Base Protestant Chapel and Charleston Heights Baptist in North Charleston, Shem Creek Baptist and Unity Baptist in Mt. Pleasant. Whether as a soloist or singing with his wife, Peggy, his testimony in song remained true and glorified God, never himself. When asked to name his favorite hymns, he listed "How Great Thou Art", "Amazing Grace" and "Great Is Thy Faithfulness". His favorite gospel songs were "Unworthy", "I'm Just a Sinner Saved by Grace", "Oh, What a Savior" and "Beulah Land". Without question, these represented his whole life and faith in song. Again following in his father's footsteps, Jonathan was ordained as a Deacon and served as a Sunday School teacher wherever he was needed. He and his family left Charleston Heights Baptist Church in the early 1960's to become charter members of Wando Woods Baptist Church. He returned to worship there in the last years of his life, surrounded by the love and support of the pastor and congregation. Viewing and visitation with the family will be at Wando Woods Baptist Church, 4123 Dorsey Avenue on Friday, February 19, 2010, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held in the church on Saturday, February 20, 2010, at 3:00 p.m. Burial will be at Carolina Memorial Park. Flowers will be gratefully accepted or donations may be made to Wando Woods Baptist Church or Hospice of Charleston. Arrangements are by J. HENRY STUHR, INC., NORTH AREA CHAPEL. The family would like to sincerely thank the wonderful friends and church family, the Hospice nurses and support staff, the staff of Davita Dialysis Clinic at Faber Place, and the wonderful doctors and nurses who cared so tenderly for Jonathan over the years. A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/deaths