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BORN
1937
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
Joseph Rogers Obituary
September 6, 1937 - January 17, 2023
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, N.C., and Jean Perkins of Charlotte, N.C.; sister-in-law, Patsy Brickey; brothers-in-law, Jerry Archer and wife, Dawn, David Archer and wife, Suzanne, and Bill Gullion; his special pet companion, "Beau"; along with numerous nieces, nephews; and friends to include Sam and Gail Vernon and Dan and Sara Kegley.
A Celebration of Life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Marion, with the Rev. Kayla Keilholtz and the 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 until 2 p.m. 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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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Rogers
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Karen Greenwood Page
February 16, 2023
Joe Bill was a bright light, always with a smile for friend or stranger, making you feel his joy for life...sharing life's "music" so to speak, even when there was no instrument in his hands. Our families grew up together meeting in school and church, and even after we kids moved elsewhere, Momma Ellen kept us updated sharing stories from their work and fellowship at Ebenezer Lutheran. Debbie, Sherree, Merle, Nichole and Mattie, hugs and love from the Greenwood family to yours. Our sincerest sympathy for your loss.
Teressa Whitely
January 23, 2023
Debbie I just learned of Joe's passing and I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that God brings you comfort and healing. I remember when the two of you used to come in Hop-In and if was always a pleasure to see and talk with the two of you. May God bless you dear lady.
Tammy DeBord
January 22, 2023
Debbie and Meryl I'm deeply sorry about your husband and father!!! I pray that God clothes you both with his loving arms with the comfort needed. You're both and your families are in my prayers. May God bless you all!!!
Sincerely,
Tammy DeBord
Mimi Graham
January 22, 2023
Dear Nikki, Sherri and Merle,
Your dad was loved by all who knew him. Was good to see him last year as he played Goldie oldies at the cabin for my birthday. So hard to loose our daddys who love so dearly. Holding you all in our hearts. ❤
Charlie Peterson
January 22, 2023
Joe Bill was a lifelong friend and inspiration. Our relationship began with our dads who were colleagues in running the Lincoln Theater during its heyday. Joe's trademark smile alone won over most everyone he encountered during his journey through this life and he surely left this world a better place resultant of his being here. Lisa and I send heartfelt condolences to family and many, many friends.
Rob & Leigh Romans
January 22, 2023
Our most sincere sympathy, thoughts, prayers to all of you in this great loss of Mr. Rogers. He was indeed a fine gentleman, family man.
Rob and Leigh Romans
TRUDY NICKOLS
January 22, 2023
I MET HIM WHEN I CAME TO MARION VA IN 1982 A JOB CORP CENTER AND WAS A VERY NICE MAN AND THEN I WENT TO THE LUTHERAN CHURCH WITH MY BOY FRIEND AT THAT TIME JOSEPH NICKOLS I WAS TRUDY GREENWAY JOE WILL BE MISS BY SO MANY PEOPLE
JoAnn Branch
January 21, 2023
I was so sorry to hear that one of my favorite class buddies had passed on. Joe was one of the kindest, most thoughtful and just thoroughly nice people I ever met. He was always full of life and just a joy to be around. He surely will be missed by me and all of our class of 1956. Debbie, you have my heartfelt sympathy and I Pray God will be with you during this sad time. I thank God for our reunions and I got to continue my relationships with our class members. I'm sure all of us still living have fond memories of Joe and his drums, and we are thankful for the time we had with him.
Joyce Vaught
January 21, 2023
When I first met Joe he was playing Drums with the Travelers Revision. I did know his daughter Nicole aas she attended school with my girls. i later had the pleasure of meeting his daughter Merle, through a friend. I have Never met Sherree but I a sure she is equally as beautiful and as nice also, I just wanted to pay my condolences to the family and assure them that Joe was a great person and will always be remembered.
Gary Lowery
January 20, 2023
I had the pleasure of working ten years with Joe at Job Corp. We often talked a lot about music and golf. Both Joe and I spent most of our adult lives playing music as he was with the Traveler’s Revision and I was in several different bands. I hit it off with Joe because, like myself, he was a progressive. He was so much fun to be around in both the work place and the music community. He was one of the most-liked people in the community. My deepest condolences to Debbie and the family.
Glenna Crabtree Bullins
January 20, 2023
Joe was a wonderful person who genuinely cared about others. I worked with him for several years at the job corps and enjoyed seeing him at the courthouse. To his family, may you find comfort in your many wonderful memories and the knowledge that you will see him again in Heaven one day. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sandy,+Kevin King
January 20, 2023
(Uncle Joe). was a kind and gentle man.He welcomed me into his sister Peggys family years ago and always had kind words to say to me.He called back in October and was asking me all about myself and my family he truly was a very loving family man.We are saddened at the lost but know that he is with our Lord and Savior now.Sending Love and Prayers to his family and all who knew him.
Sam and Norma Brickey
January 20, 2023
Merle and family,
Our deepest condolences to each of you. May the Lord give you peace, comfort and strength in this difficult time.
Gene Hendrick
January 20, 2023
Debbie , Sherree, Merle and Nicky. I am so sorry to hear about Joe's passing. He brought so much joy to so many people through his life and his music. I'll have you all in my prayers.
Mary-Lynn Hammer
January 20, 2023
In a lifetime, to know one individual as outstanding as Joe Bill is a blessing. He was so good to everyone, never meeting a stranger. What a void is left in the community from his death coupled with his family´s loss. Debbie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. In a world where there is so much divisive behavior, so much hatred, what a grand statement to be able to say Joe Bill was a lot of positive things, but his kindness to everyone has to top his description. He was loved by all. Debbie, you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers during these days of grief and heartbreak.
Walda DuPriest-Brandt
January 20, 2023
Debbie and family, I am so sorry that Joe Bill has passed. He was a bright light and a very special person. Was proud to call him cousin. My thoughts are with you. Love, Walda
Cathy Cale
January 19, 2023
Joe was such a wonderful man. He was one of the staples of our community. So sad he is gone. Love hugs and prayers to you Debbie and to all of the family.
Jim Richardson
January 19, 2023
Joe Bill was a close friend through high school and for a time at ETSU. At MHS he was an integral part of our group of about ten who spent hours together solving the world's problems. It would be safe to say he was the most talented or our group and of the class of '56. My sincere condolences to his family. As the notice says, he will definitely be missed by all who knew him. Godspeed, Joe Billy!
Donna Seymour
January 19, 2023
Debbie my heart breaks for you. I'm so sorry. May you find comfort and strength through the days ahead. There will no one like Joe because he was so good to everyone. Please you know where I am if you need me. Love you.
Pam Harrington
January 19, 2023
Merle I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and the family.
Paige Russell
January 19, 2023
I was lucky enough to work for Joe. He was one of the nicest men Ive ever known. He was a super boss and a great friend. Prayers for the family.
Linda Harrell
January 19, 2023
Debbie I am sad to hear Joe has passed away. May you find strength and comfort in your memories.
Linda Harrell
January 19, 2023
Debbie I am sad to hear Joe has passed away. May you find strength and comfort in your memories.
Lisa Mitchell
January 19, 2023
Debbie,
Joe Bill was a genuinely kind and humble person. He was always smiling. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. I know how much you loved each other, it was always so evident when I saw the two of you together. May God give you comfort and strength.
Lisa Mitchell
Scott W. Trent Jr.
January 19, 2023
So very sorry to learn of his passing. He was a good friend and church member. My thoughts are with all of his family and wife Debbie.....
Alison Abel
January 19, 2023
Joe Bill was a wonderful person and will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with Debbie and the family.
Al and Alison Abel
Linda Burchette
January 19, 2023
Oh I am so very sad. Joe was such a wonderful man. A friend of my mom’s from their many years at BRJC. I’ve known him and his family from church all my life. Heard stories of his time with Travelers Revision and enjoyed his and Dan Kegley’s music with the more recent DanJoe Music for the Community. He will be so greatly missed. Now he can be with all his Ebenezer friends in heaven.
Wanda Owens
January 19, 2023
Rogers family, sorry for the loss of Joe, I have known him many years, such a nice man, always smiling and laughing. I loved hearing the Travelers when they were playing, good group. Joe will be missed around the Courthouse.
Bobby Walker
January 19, 2023
Mr Rogers was extremely nice to my wife and I. A true gentleman in every sense of the word.
It was a blessing to know him.
Virginia Elliott
January 19, 2023
Joe was certainly a special person. He kindness will be remembered. We will miss him in church. Debbie, Sheree, Merle, and Nicki you are in my prayers.
January 19, 2023
So very sorry to hear about Joe Bill. He definitely was a wonderful man. Always had a smile on his face. I know he will be greatly missed
Prayers for comfort and strength. In Deepest Sympathy
Tracie Peeples
Willie "Bruce" Minton
January 19, 2023
So sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to the family and I know Joe bill will be missed greatly. One of the best friend's I had the privilege of knowing. Will miss all the good times we had with the travelers over the many years of performing with you and the guys. R. I. P. My friend.
Geneva Crouse
January 19, 2023
Debbie, so very sorry about Joe. My heart hurts for you. You and Shirley were so good to me when I lost Jim. I won't ever forget. Take care of yourself.
Vicky Atwood Hash
January 18, 2023
......"Joe Bill" was a fine fellow, and our friend......prayers, sympathy and sadness for his loved ones......Doug and Vicky Hash...
Diann Puckett
January 18, 2023
It was a pleasure knowing Joe and working with him while I was able to work and do deed searches in the Courthouse. He was always so pleasant and helpful to everyone. I considered him a true friend. Deb please know you and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. ❤
Christopher Shannon Hughes
January 18, 2023
I’m devastated by hearing the news of Joe’s passing. I am glad I got to know Joe many years ago and get to share the stage with him in the Travelers Revision Band. He was always kind and took me under his wing. He taught me a lot about the business side of being a musician in a band. He was always helpful whenever I needed information at the court house, plus the fact he was the one who married me and my wife. We had a lot of fun times over the years playing many shows for sure, but overall Joe was always there for me if I needed anything. My thoughts and prayers go out to Debbie and the family as well as all the remaining band members of the Travelers Revision Band. I’m sure Joe and Jackie are in the heavens above arguing about a song, but to know they both are missed by many.
Jane Hutton Castle
January 18, 2023
He had such a nice smile and kind spirit! I am so sorry for your loss! Praying for comfort and peace during this difficult time!
Randy & Dolly Barker
January 18, 2023
Debbie, so sorry to hear about Joe, prayers for you & your family
Ron and Charlotte Faris
January 18, 2023
Joe was a man who knew no strangers and always had a smile on his face. He was a great friend and will be missed. Prayers and positive thoughs to the family,
Bonnie Robinson
January 18, 2023
Debbie and family so sorry for your loss , he will be missed. Sending prayers
Sheila Reedy Hagy
January 18, 2023
Debbie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless and be with you.
Gary and Kathy Roberts
January 18, 2023
Debbie, family members. So many prayers for you during this difficult time. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Julie and Jim Kelly
January 18, 2023
Debbie, so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and love are with you and your family during this time of sorrow . Love, Julie and Jim Kelly
Beth Paschal
January 18, 2023
God bless you and your family. Joe Bill was a great man.
Sheena and Kristin Hash
January 18, 2023
I cannot say enough good about this man! He was always so kind to our family and had a heart of gold. Debbie and family, I will pray for comfort during the upcoming difficult days.
Sheila Thomas
January 18, 2023
Joe was my first real manager. He taught me so much but really he taught what truly caring meant and he always kept me laughing. He is such a loss and I will miss him tremendously.
Norma Whitt heath
January 18, 2023
He will great ly missed I was one of the young lady at blue ridge job corps that he helped he made us feel like we were important RIP Mr Rogers I
Lee Sanders
January 18, 2023
Joe you were like an uncle to me. You will be greatly missed!
Judy Taylor Olinger
January 18, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you in the days to come.
Anita Hawthorne
January 18, 2023
Debbie, I’m so sorry to hear about Joe. Prayers for you and your family.
Ed,Lori and Brianna Hagy
January 18, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Sharon Widener Peterson
January 18, 2023
Debbie,
Please accept our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sharon Peterson & Edna Widener
Sharon Widener Peterson
January 18, 2023
Sherry, Merle & Nicki,
We're so sorry to hear about your dad. He was a real character and will be sorely missed. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sharon Widener Peterson & Edna Widener
mike snavely
January 18, 2023
Family, with our deepest sympathy, ..smyth co. humane society/SAR...
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