Billy Rogers

ROGERS Billy Joe Bill Rogers, 81, went to heaven to be with the Lord and his beloved wife, Jenny, on Friday, February 10, 2012. Bill was born on September 26, 1930 in Lackey, KY, the third child of Frank Rogers and Golda Stapleton Rogers. The family settled in Elkhorn City, KY where Bill attended high school and met his future wife. In 1958 Bill moved his young family to Jacksonville, FL where he happily resided until his death. From 1958 until 1972 Bill and his brother-in-law, Ray Elswick, were co-owners of Bill and Rays Shell Station at the corner of Lem Turner Rd. and Edgewood Ave. The station served as a place for the youth of the neighborhood to learn to care for their vehicles. Bill always made time to mentor them in the maintenance of their vehicles, the proper use of tools and to take pride in their workmanship. The station also served as a location for fund raising activities for the youth of the community. From 1973 until his retirement in 1995 Bill worked for the City of Jacksonville Water Services Division. In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his wife of 58 years and soul mate Virginia Jenny Elswick Rogers in 2009; two brothers, Bob Rogers and Buddy Rogers; a sister Mona Mae Rogers Ratliff; three brother-in-laws, Ray Elswick, Ernest Mullins and Willoughby Ratliff; and three sister-in-laws Joan Bartley Elswick, Ann Coleman Rogers and Arlene Coleman Elswick. He will be missed by those he leaves behind including a daughter Janalee Rogers Scott of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; a granddaughter, Laura M. Scott, of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; a grandson David R. Scott and his wife Holly Brown Scott of Jacksonville, FL; and a great-grandson Landen T. Scott of Jacksonville, FL. He is also survived by a sister Thelma Rogers Bartley and her husband Earl Bartley of Elkhorn City, KY; a brother Paul Rogers and his wife Barbara Rogers of Haysi, VA; brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws Betty Powell Rogers of Columbus, OH; Bee Wallace Mullins, Joseph Elswick and his wife Mary Looney Elswick and Jeanette Elswick all of Elkhorn City, KY; and Landen Elswick, Jr. of Columbus, OH, as well as, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. Bill served in the United States Marine Corp during the Korean War. At an early age Bill had developed a fascination for how things worked. After being discharged from the Marine Corp he attended the Mayo State Vocational School in Paintsville, KY and in 1956 graduated with a degree in Auto & Diesel Mechanics. This was followed by a job at Potter Motors in Pikeville, KY which was an experience he spoke fondly of all of his life. Bills passion for beautiful and high performance cars lasted a lifetime. He always had a great appreciation for fine automobiles and drove his with pride and enthusiasm. Bill was also a highly skilled carpenter and especially enjoyed building beautiful furniture. He was a Master Mason and member of the Riverview Lodge No. 306 F 32nd Degree Scottish Rite; and a member of the Morocco Shriners in Jacksonville, FL. Bill was also an honorary Kentucky Colonel and was a member of the Highlands United Methodist Church for 30 years. Arrangements will be made by Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home in Jacksonville, FL and Bailey Funeral Home in Elkhorn City, KY. Funeral services will be held in Elkhorn City, KY on Saturday, February 18, 2012 with internment to follow at the Annie Young Cemetery in Pikeville, KY. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com