MARION, VA
Joseph William Rogers age 85, passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2023.
Joe was born in Marion, VA to the late J.S. and Grace Ross Rogers. Joe attended Marion Senior High School where he was drum major in the band, beginning what became a lifelong use of his musical talent, which included winning a Ted Mack amateur hour competition and culminated in a decades-long drumming career with the Travelers Revision. In the late 1960s Joe moved his family from Roanoke, VA back to Marion and began working at Blue Ridge Job Corps where he worked for the next 30 years, fulfilling his commitment to the ideals of Lyndon Johnson's Great Society, helping several generations of young women find meaningful employment regardless of their race or income level. “Joe Bill” was a life long progressive who never wavered in either his beliefs or actions, always working for those who were oppressed. After his retirement, he worked in the Records Department of the Smyth County Court House until his passing. Joe was a community man, a devoted family man, and a man who did not make a distinction between the two; family and community were one and the same. Joe was also a member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church where he served as a Trustee. Joe will be greatly missed by all those who had the pleasure and privilege of sharing life with him. His was truly “A Wonderful Life”, mirroring the life portrayed by the main character of his favorite movie.
Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years Debbie Archer Rogers; three loving daughters, Sherree Tannen, Merle Obregon, and Nicolle Franks and husband David; two wonderful grandchildren, Mattie Obregon, and Eli Franks, and special friend Mary Woodward; two sisters Peggy King of Advance, NC, and Jean Perkins of Charlotte, NC; sister-in-law Patsy Brickey; brothers-in-law Jerry Archer & wife Dawn, David Archer & wife Suzanne, and Bill Gullion; his special pet companion “Beau”; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends to include Sam & Gail Vernon and Dan & Sara Kegley.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00PM, Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Marion with Rev. Kayla Keilholtz and Rev. John Graham officiating. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium with full military honors rendered by the Francis Marion V.F.W. Post 4667. The family will receive friends from 12:00-2:00PM on Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ebenezer Lutheran Church or the Smyth County Humane Society in memory of Joe. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Rogers Family.
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