Rodrick "Rick" Rogers

Rodrick Michael "Rick" Rogers, 76, of Charlotte died August 16, 2025. He was born on December 29, 1948, in Greenville, SC to the late Herman Rogers and Edith Tucker Rogers Starnes. He spent much of his youth in the Charlotte and Concord Areas. He moved with his family to Greensboro in the early 60's where he was living when he enlisted in the US Army in 1967. In addition to his parents, Rick was predeceased by his sister, Wanda Wentz (Dick) and brother, George Starnes (Arana). He also was predeceased by several members of his "other family", Father-in-law Harry G Shipman, Mother-in-law Susan Long Shipman, both of Greensboro and Brother-in-law Harry G Shipman II of Charlotte. Rick served in Vietnam from November 1968 to November 1969 as a member of the Army's Big Red One, as a Forward Observer stationed out of Lai Khe Base Camp and attached to Charlie Company.. During his service in-country, he rose in rank from a Private First Class (PFC) E-2 to a Staff Sergeant (SSG) E-6. He was awarded the Bronze Star for valor while in Vietnam as well as two Purple Hearts for injuries sustained. During his tour of duty he was exposed to Agent Orange, which resulted in the Mantle Cell Lymphoma which ultimately claimed him. He was in remission twice from this disease but the third time, the cancer returned with a vengeance. He succumbed to an all-to-brief recurrence, where his chemotherapy treatment began on 7/16 and he passed on 8/16. The week he returned from Vietnam, he met the love of his life, Laura Shipman Rogers, to whom he was married for 55 years plus. He was stationed for a year and a half at Fort Jackson in SC where daughter Amy was born. After being discharged with Honors from the Army, he and his family relocated to the Charlotte area where he was primarily involved in the Construction field, having obtained a Commercial Contractor's License and became Vice President of Construction for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Housing Partnership until his retirement in 2013. Early on he developed a love for sailing, primarily on Lake Norman; enjoyed yearly trips to the Beach with family and occasional trips to the Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. He and Laura enjoyed four wonderful trips to the Florida Keys over the past 30 years and were able to take the in-laws on one of those trips. Post-retirement he collaborated with son Michael on many woodworking and remodeling projects. He kept the family home in fine shape and was "the Fixer of All of the Things" for many family and friends. In his final months he was creator/builder of many beautiful chess boards; and until he became too ill, enjoyed working in the yard and "piddling" in his workshop. Left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife Laura Shipman Rogers of the home; daughter, Amy Marie Rogers and son, Michael Lewis Rogers, both of Charlotte; grandchildren, Kevin and Carrie; and 9 year old great-grandson, Caiden, who became the light of his life in his final years. Other members of his family, Sindy Shipman, Sister-in Law, of Pinehurst and Adam Shipman, Nephew, of Weddington remain to cherish his memory as do several other special nieces and nephews including Marsha Gray (David); Shana Klitsch (Tim) and son Reed; many beloved cousins, multiple dear friends and special neighbors. A special thank you to Bruce and Vernessa McGuinness who have been there for all of us over the past 50 plus years; and also to the many caregivers involved in the last months of his life at Atrium Health, the Levine Cancer Institute and the VA clinics in South Charlotte and Salisbury. Memorials may be made to the Levine Cancer Institute, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the American Heart Association, or the charity of your choice. A service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 Saturday, August 30 at James Funeral Home with reception to follow in the James Funeral Home Community Room. James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.