Jerry Mendenhall Rogers

Born on March 11, 1945, in La Jolla, California, he was the beloved son of the late Raymond Delos Rogers of Houston, TX, and the late Mary Annice (Barr) Rogers of Florence, AL. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents: Horace Mendenhall Rogers and Nevada Alleta (Smith) Sproull of Eudora, KS; and Okley Ephraim Barr and Verna Lee (Duke) Barr of Florence, AL.

Jerry is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Catherine Elaine “Calaine” (Eastep) Rogers, daughter of the late James William Eastep and the late Catherine Marie (Reling) Eastep. Together, Jerry and Calaine shared a lifelong love story built on faith, family, and friendship.

He is also survived by his daughter, Brandye Elaine Rocca, and her husband, Ralph Gordon Rocca; his brothers, John Barr Rogers of Tampa, FL, and James Eric Rogers and his wife, Janice Katherine (Rains) of Nashville, TN; and his two treasured granddaughters, Savannah Elaine Rocca and Reyleigh Renee Rocca.

Jerry graduated from the University of North Alabama with a degree in Biology and Business. He had a long and successful career in sales and was well-known for his wit, kindness, and ability to connect with people. He also had a lifelong passion for music.

As a gifted drummer, Jerry was inducted into the Muscle Shoals Music Hall of Fame for his contributions to the legendary Muscle Shoals sound. He played with The Weejuns, a Southern rock band that toured the Southeast and performed regularly at universities including Alabama and Ole Miss. One of his proudest achievements was playing on the original recording of “When a Man Loves a Woman” with Percy Sledge.

In his younger years, Jerry worked on the construction of the Natchez Trace Parkway and used his earnings to buy one of the very first Ford Mustangs ever made—a car he loved and took great pride in.

Jerry was a lifelong Alabama Crimson Tide fan and held a deep admiration for Bear Bryant and Nick Saban. Saturdays were made for football, and he never missed a chance to cheer on his team. Roll Tide.

He also found joy in life’s simple pleasures—Dairy Queen ice cream, Coca-Cola, and the soulful voice of Otis Redding. He was known for his heartfelt and powerful prayers, always offering strength, wisdom, and comfort when it mattered most. His unwavering faith in Jesus was the foundation of his life and sustained him during his illness.

In 1983, Jerry and Calaine moved to Austin, Texas, where they raised their daughter and built a home filled with love, music, and laughter.

He will be remembered for his love of family, faith, music, and his extraordinary ability to make others feel seen, heard, and loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 27th at 4:00 PM at the home of Brandye & Ralph Rocca. Refreshments will be served.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jerry Rogers to the CTX Foundation:

Checks payable to CTX Foundation

Mail to:

2401 S 31st Street, Attn: CTX Foundation

Temple, TX 76508

Or donate online at: https://ctxfoundation.bswhealth.com/ways-to-give/donate/