Billy R. Rodgers

Funeral service will be held 3:00pm on Sunday, February 6, 2011 at Collier-Butler Funeral Home for Billy Ray Rodgers, 82, Revs. Phillip Ellin, Dwight Gary and Rick Maroney will officiate. Billy left his earthly home February 5, 2011 to sing with the angels of heaven.

He was always a joy to all he met. Everyone who knew him loved him. He loved everyone and never had an unkind word about anyone. He loved the Lord very much, never wanted to miss church Railroad Baptist Church where he served as Deacon. He loved his family dearly, especially those grandkids, they thought he was the greatest thing on earth. He exemplified the love of Christ to all he met. He loved to sing and was choir director at Railroad for many years. He also sang with his family gospel group, the Free Spirits. He also loved children (and they loved him), telling jokes, fishing, pets, and his favorite team Alabama. Bills’ greatest love beside the Lord was his family. He was love, such a great example of Christ. He was like a bright light in a dark world; if you were discouraged, you couldn’t be for long, he would tell his silly jokes and have you laughing. We, the friends and family are so honored that God gave us Billy Rodgers as a blessing to our lives. He leaves a precious wife of 62 years that he loved very much, Vivian Rodgers. They were such a joy to watch. She cared for his every need and probably spoiled him a little. They were truly an example of giving and serving others. He drove a school bus for Coosa Christian School after his retirement from Bynum He worked for the government 30 years, earning numerous rewards for his quality work and leadership. He made such a hit on the school bus, the children loved him and named him “Papa Smurf”, the name stuck and he loved it. He was a lover of life and so much fun; wherever the kids were having fun he joined in and made it awesome. He was a worker and stayed busy after retirement; he had a small engine repair shop, drove cars for Freeman Motors, and had a lawnmower service and diligent servant at his church, an avid Coosa Christian sports fan, and serving others.

Preceded in death by his parents, Rosa Lee and Rev. Walter E. Rodgers, brothers Lewis and Thomas Rodgers. He left 2 children, Sandy (Gene) Cox, and Donnie (Darlene Ellen) Rodgers; Grandchildren Michael (Dezi) Cox; Traci (Daryl) McCarver, Stephen (Cortney) Rodgers; Ryan Rodgers; Aaron Rodgers; Caleb McCarver, Cade McCarver, Elias Cox, Zoe Cox, Evey Rodgers; special daughter-niece Betty Fortenberry. Special thanks to Dwight Gary, special neighbor Opal Hathcock and special caregiver grandson Michael.

Pallbearers will include; Mike Cox, Stephen Rodgers, Ryan Rodgers, Aaron Rodgers, Caleb McCarver, Daryl McCarver and Gene Cox

Visitation will be held Sunday, February 6, 2011 at Collier-Butler Funeral Home from 1pm until 3pm.