HUBERT "LEON" ROGERS

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Dunnellon High School University of Kentucky

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Roberts Funeral Home of Dunnellon

19939 E Pennsylvania Ave

Dunnellon, Florida

HUBERT ROGERS Obituary

ROGERS, HUBERT 'LEON'
Hubert 'Leon' Rogers was born to Hubert and Bess Rogers on June 18, 1931 in Lebanon, KY. Leon was a graduate of Lebanon High School. He received a basketball scholarship at University of Kentucky where he played under Adolph Rupp. He graduated in 1958 with a degree in physical education and minors in English and Science. He later earned his Master's Degree from Southern Mississippi in 1968.
Upon graduation from University of Kentucky in 1958, he started his teaching and coaching career in Chattahoochee, FL. In 1963, he moved to Fort Walton Beach, FL accepting the head basketball coach and assistant football position at Choctawhatchee High School. He departed the coaching ranks after a highly successful career in athletics and accepted a promotion to Assistant Principal at Meigs Junior High School in Shalimar, FL. In 1969, he moved to Ocala, FL to become the Principal of a brand new high school, Vanguard. He was also Principal at Dunnellon High School. In 1976, he was elected Superintendent of Schools of Marion County in a runoff election and served in that position for eight years. He thoroughly loved the interaction with the students and loved the career path he chose. He was a strong believer in continuing education.
He is survived by his three daughters, Jackie Ormond (Richard), Marsha Anderson (Don), Traci Bryan (Kevin); three grandchildren, Lauren Balloon (Scott), Somer Doyle, Hunter Bryan (Amanda); and four great grandchildren, Ethan Bryan (10), Camden Balloon (4), Kinley Balloon (19 months), and Landon Bryan (7 months).
Leon will be sorely missed by his family and friends who loved him very much. He was well known and respected in the Ocala and Dunnellon communities. He never met a stranger and always asked where an individual was from, what school they attended, and what they did. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, great grandfather and lifetime 'coach.'
Services will be held Monday, April 9, 2018 at 3:30pm at Robert's Funeral Home Dunnellon, Florida, with Pastor Russ Randall officiating. Viewing will occur from 2:30 till 3:30pm. Burial will occur in Lebanon Kentucky at Old Liberty Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dunnellon High School Athletic Department or Legacy Hospice House of Ocala. Condolences may be left for the family at
www.robertsofdunnellon.com

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Published by Ocala Star-Banner from Apr. 8 to Apr. 9, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for HUBERT ROGERS

11 Entries

Tanya Shively

April 2, 2022

Another year - Daddy has joined you now. I like to think the two of you are best of friends again and sharing a special place in God's house. I miss you both more than I can ever say. This help, being able to come here and talk to you. I love you and miss you much! I have to chose between being family or friend on this page, how can I make that decision? You were both and so much more to me.

Marty O'Neill

April 2, 2022

I'm so sorry to hear of Leon's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. My connection with Leon was through my mom, Jo Billings and Larry Reynolds. The three of them were quite something together. I was able to join them several times for their Cracker Barrell rendezvous' when I visited Ocala. What a hoot they were together. I've added a photo here of the last time I was able to join them. Leon leaves a legacy to all educators and their students. He will be missed, and certainly always loved. ~Marty

Patricia Lake

April 18, 2018

Loved you much.

Tony Downes

April 11, 2018

Mr Rodger new everyone by name he will be missed

Jo Billings

April 9, 2018

When Leon was the high school principal at Vanguard, I was one of 4 coordinators for the school transportation office. It was clear to me right away that he would become one of our most treasured leaders in education, so you can imagine how special I felt when he asked me to take the reins in the transportation department. Back in the day women typically did not have these roles. But Leon trusted me, guided me, and gave me freedom to succeed, just as I'm sure he did with every student in his reach.
After we all retired (you know who you are, Larry and Jewett), lunch dates fostered our friendship to grow in a special way that will always be treasured in this heart of mine.
You will be missed oh so much. That gurrlll Marty is gonna miss you too.
You are loved!
Jo and Marty

Synethia Coy

April 9, 2018

I will always remember you walking down the hallways, we were going in different directions and you would always say "hey little girl how are you? You have a good day now!" that mint so much back in the day, because I think that the faculty at that day and age were more concerned about their students. You will be truly missed. (Class of 1978)

Michael J Athanason

April 9, 2018

Mr. Rogers was one of a kind. He gave many of us (students, teachers, staff members, administrators, Coaches) an opportunity to reach our goals. Wherever Mr. Rogers went, he raised the standards of those around him. There are many of us who owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Rogers. A career well done. Rest in peace my friend, may God Bless your Soul

Tara Turney

April 9, 2018

To so many, you played many different roles, but to me, you were my Uncle Leon. Always ready with a story to share, or words of wisdom to pass along. I will forever cherish our time together.

Jewett Springer

April 9, 2018

Jewett Springer
Where to START... but more difficult is where to STOP..... My first encounter with Leon was when he called me to ask if I would be interested in officiating some basketball games with him? I said yes and that was the start of a life-long friendship that grew stronger and stronger every year. That was early 1965 and would last for the next two years. Many basketball game and many ROAD trips. and , but mostly .

We were out of contact for the next two years.... then another phone call to ask if I would join him in Ocala Florida to help open a new high school. I was excited to say yes as it fit my desire to work with a respected friend as well as to become a head football coach and gain experience as an administer. The friendship really grew to a very personally level as we worked together through the next two years. I became a middle school principal, but we stayed in close contact through the next four years. Then "Leon" was elected Superintendent of Marion County Schools. Once again a phone call to as if I would come work with him as his deputy. For the next eight years we really became close friends. All through the following years we have valued each others friendship.

He was an easy man to work for as he would give you a job and and expect you to carry it out with pride and effort as if it was your idea. He was always about doing things with class and first class.

He had a code as an administer which was "Hire good people and let them do the job". Never was he big on micro-managing people. He had a great feel for selecting people young and older who would be right for a position on this team.

Leon never met a stranger. He loved ever one of "this" students in his school and had great respect for all young people. He was the happiest when interacting with them. His love of sport and academic gave him the ability to relate to anyone. He was equally proud to champion excellence in success in the classroom and sports at all levels.
His staff (teachers,cafeteria workers, custodians) were on an equal base in his relationship with them. He always wanted the best effort for everyone.

He was a valued mentor to me and I will forever miss him!!!!!

One last thing.... I remember him telling me say this to everyone. "DO NOT SHED A TEAR AT MY FUNERAL, RATHER BE HAPPY AND SMILE"

Tanya Shively

April 9, 2018

You were a big part of my life for my whole life. You will forever live in my heart, forever be my Uncle Leon

Wayne Allen

April 8, 2018

Thanks Mr.Rogers for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime in being your head Girl's Basketball Coach, Teacher, And Assistant Football Coach at Vanguard high school in 1975 .You will be truly missed,Rest In Peace My Friend ,Love Coach Wayne Allen

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