Gerry Rogers

Gerry was born January 14, 1948 in Fuquay-Varina, NC to John and Lydia Rogers. He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years and partner in everything, Judy, his daughter Katie Rogers McCargo and son-in-law Jon of Leland, NC, his son John and daughter-in-law Trina, and grandchildren Liza, Cate, and James of Carrboro. He is also survived by sisters Frances and husband Gary Upchurch of Greensboro and Meg and husband John Taylor of Raleigh.

Gerry was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a lifelong Tar Heel fan. After a long career in the banking industry, he retired from North State Bank in 2013. He never found a bad debt not worth the challenge. He had a relentless attitude towards problem-solving, a mindset that no challenge was too big, and even the tough ones were opportunities for growth or resolution because Gerry was always interested in helping people succeed.

He loved the First Presbyterian Church of Raleigh and served there in many faithful ways. He was a deacon and elder, as well as a teacher of The Rick Brand Sunday School class. He also volunteered as a youth leader and, in his retirement, traveled to Montreat, NC to cook for the youth on their annual week-long retreat. He served on the columbarium committee and worked to make it a nice area to remember and honor the loved ones there. Outside of the church, he also enjoyed serving on the board of Presbyterian Homes.

Gerry never knew a stranger and greeted everyone he met with a big smile on his face. He was always the life of the party, sharing his joy with others in every way he could, whether by telling his latest joke or by recommending an outstanding restaurant or movie. He was a great golfer and loved a beautiful day on the course. A meticulous person, Gerry was extremely handy and loved to be busy in his garage shop. In his retirement, he became an excellent cook and delighted in testing out the latest New York Times recipes for his family. If you ever received one of his famous pecan pies, you were very lucky indeed.

Gerry and Judy moved to Glenaire in Cary in 2023. Once there, he hit the ground running, playing lots of pickle ball and recently starting a book club. The family is very thankful for the support they have received from their friends and neighbors at Glenaire.

Gerry was the recipient of a kidney transplant in 2014 from a generous living donor. He would highly encourage others to consider becoming an organ donor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh or to Peterson House (petersonhousenc.org) where Gerry’s son, John, is the pastor.

A service of remembrance and the witness to the resurrection will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Raleigh at 11am on Tuesday, March 18th. There will be time to visit after the service at the church and reception later that day at Glenaire.