Robert Flournoy Rogers

Robert Flournoy Rogers, known to family and friends as “Bob,” passed away on March 2, 2026,at the age of 98 due to injuries from a fall.

Born January 16, 1928, in Atlanta, Georgia, Bob traveled the world while serving in the Merchant Marine and later lived in Aiken, GA, and Annapolis, Maryland, before residing for the last 20 years in Pawleys Island, SC.

Bob married Virginia “Jinky” Agnew Wood in 1952. Jinky passed away in 1994. Bob and Jinky had three children. Daughters, Virginia “Ginny” Carter Cooper of Reiner, Virginia, mother of Yanni Cooper and Ann Favor Rogers of Sarasota, Florida. Their son, Robert Malcolm Rogers(deceased 2024) had four children: Malcom, Lillian, Madeline and Kenneth all of whom live in the Fort Lauderdale, FL area. Bob is survived by his wife, Betty Redding Rogers of Pawleys Island, formerly of Annapolis, MD. Betty’s son Stan Wood and his wife Melanie, sons Connor Thomas and Chase William and daughter Taylor Shelby all live in the Annapolis, MD area.

Growing up in Decatur, GA during the depression Bob suffered the loss of his father and other hardships at an early age. His older brother and sister volunteered for service in WWII. Bob, also patriotic and a self-starter, decided to leave school at 15. He’d figured out how to take a bus to Chicago and gain admission to the Coyne Radio Communications School from which he graduated in 1944. This was his ticket to serve as a radio officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine from 1944 to 1949, during the final years of World War II.

He travelled the world while in the Merchants. At some point Bob had decided what he wanted to do next and that involved more learning. With no high school diploma or GDE in hand, he ignored admissions personnel who laughed at his chances of passing the requisite entrance exams. Bob surprised them all when he passed those tests and was admitted to the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he earned two degrees: the first in Chemical Engineering in 1952 and next in Nuclear Physics in 1953.

Bob then embarked on what became a distinguished career in the emerging field of atomic energy. He worked for the DuPont Company’s Atomic Energy Division, which later became the Savanna River Project, until his “early” retirement in 1982. Bob retired on the advice of his doctor who informed him that if he didn’t make some serious changes in his life, he’d be dead in a year.

We know that wasn’t the case! Bob analyzed things, figured out what needed changing, did his research – he got smarter - and applied those changes to his life. As a result, Bob way out-lived his doctor – and many others. Bob was a very intelligent man who thoroughly enjoyed discussing any topic. He would nurture the discussion asking questions like; why is that…, are you sure…, why do you think that…, what do you think would happen if… or, what happens if you’re wrong…? He could get you thinking outside the box. We all got a little smarter, laughed and gained new appreciation for things when we hung around with Bob.

In the early days of his retirement, he continued consulting until 1992. This fit well with his love of cruising with Jinky on the Intracoastal waterway. Later, he expanded his cruising grounds to the Bahamas, especially Hope Town, where he and Betty wintered for the next twelve years aboard “Nereid” a 42-foot trawler. The early days in Hopetown were pretty primitive – no internet!!! Bob figured out how to rig antennas to deliver internet service out to the boats in the harbor and feed his appetite for knowledge. He was a founder of the “Harbor Rats,” a group of stalwart cruising couples who became close lifelong friends and with whom he remained connected throughout the rest of his life.

Bob loved the outdoors, adventure and gadgets. He hiked of the Appalachian Trail many times and had a deep interest in astronomy, photography, art and the weather. He was active in clubs as a member and instructor who enjoyed sharing his knowledge with students and teachers alike.

A committed Christian, Bob was one of the founders of The Abbey at Pawleys Island Anglican Church in 2012 and attended since. It was his first church home and held a very special place in his heart.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Abbey at Pawleys Island Anglican Church, 46 Gathering Lane Pawleys Island, SC 29585 Direct: (843) 314-0277
https://onrealm.org/theabbey/-/form/give/now