Virgil Leighton Rogers Jr.

Virgil Leighton Rogers Jr., 92, of Roanoke, Va., passed away Sunday, June 21, 2009. He was born on January 7, 1917, in Roanoke, Va., the son of the late Virgil L. and Lena F. Rogers. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Mary H. "Bette" Rogers;, and his son, Kevin L. Rogers. He is survived by his children, Leighton Rogers, of Roanoke, Stephen Rogers and his wife, Mindy, of Carolina Beach, N.C., Michelle Humrich, of Richmond, and Suzanne Miller and her husband, Rick, of Catawba. Also surviving are grandchildren, Elizabeth, Leigh and James Rogers, Greg Rogers, Jacob, Hannah and Olivia Humrich; and granddogs, Pete, Monk, Heidi, Lightnin', Bud and Jessie.
Virgil was a 1935 graduate of Jefferson High School. Just after graduating he began working at Norfolk and Western Railway until he was called to service during World War II, where he served as a corporal in the Army Air Force in Calcutta, India. Virgil was among the first to use radar technology to guide pilots back to base after transporting supplies over the Burma Hump. After returning from the war he continued his career at N & W Railway working in the general offices for 30 years. Virgil then began a new career in retail at S.H. Heironimus in 1964 where his merchandising skills, leadership abilities and ambition were quickly recognized. He was promoted to assistant manager at Towers, then was chosen to open and manage the new Crossroads branch store in 1967. In 1976 was promoted to vice president of operations for S.H. Heironimus, Inc. by the company board of directors, and fulfilled these duties until retiring in 1983. Virgil loved working at Heironimus where he was highly valued and respected by all. During his career, Virgil served in the Kiwanis Club, was on the board of directors for Downtown Roanoke, Inc., and was an honorary lifetime member of the Distributive Education Club of Roanoke. He was also a longtime member of the Beta Tau Fraternity. Virgil enjoyed playing golf, gardening, fishing and bird watching.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Good Samaritan Hospice of Roanoke, or do something Virgil would have enjoyed such as play a round of golf or feed the birds.
A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2009, at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel with the Rev. Arthur Grant officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Burial Park. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2009, at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, 540-982-2100.