Rogers Cathey Sr.

Rogers Dey Cathey Sr. NORFOLK - Rogers D. Cathey Sr., 77, of Colony Point Road, passed away Oct. 23, 2011 at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with his family by his side. He was born in Norfolk, the son of the late Rob Lee Cathey and Eloise Dey Cathey. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Connie Pontifex Cathey of Norfolk, and his brother Stanley R. Cathey of Virginia Beach. He is survived by his son, Rogers Dey Cathey Jr. and his wife Deborah Fox Cathey of Virginia Beach; and daughter, Constance Cathey Malamos and her husband George Constantine Malamos of Norfolk. He is also survived by his two grandchildren, Rogers Dey Cathey III and Taylor Fox Cathey, both of Virginia Beach. Rogers graduated from Granby High School in 1952 and it was there that he met the love of his life, Connie. They were high school sweethearts who spent the next 59 years together until her passing last year. Rogers was also a graduate of the Norfolk Division of The College of William & Mary in 1956, now known as Old Dominion University. He began his career in a family owned business, the Norfolk Coca-Cola Bottling Plant on Monticello Ave., and worked his way through the corporate ranks, ultimately becoming the company president. In later years, he took his experience in business and opened Westside Hardware. Following this business venture, he moved on to acquire ownership of Barnett's Hardware at Ward's Corner. Rogers enjoyed nothing more than time spent in the great outdoors. He was an avid boater who had a passion for spending his free time on the water doing everything from fishing to water skiing. He was also a long-standing member of the Norfolk Yacht & Country Club. A true outdoorsman at heart, he had a fondness for duck hunting as well as vegetable gardens. He was active in all realms of life but was happiest where he could be of service to others. He served as a deacon at Royster Memorial Presbyterian Church, was a Rotarian for countless years, and volunteered his time at SCORE, providing advice and direction to those in small business. Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday from 6 until 7:30 p.m. at the Norfolk Chapel of H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., 1501 Colonial Ave. A funeral will be held Saturday, Oct. 29 at 11 a.m. at Royster Memorial Presbyterian Church in Norfolk. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the Norfolk Yacht & Country Club on Hampton Blvd. following the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be offered to the family through www.hdoliver.com.