Ray C. Rogers

Ray Carl Rogers passed away peacefully Friday, April 15, 2011, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was 86, a native of Merryville and a resident of Baton Rouge for the past 77 years. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Mire Rogers; son and daughter-in-law, Michael Ray Rogers and Mignonne B. Rogers; son and daughter-in-law, Mark Stephen Rogers and Catherine G. Rogers; 12 grandchildren and their spouses, Kyle and Alessandra Rogers, Brittany and Trent Thompkins, Blake, Hope and Charity Rogers, Wensi and Ian Lim, Ronald and Haley Rogers, Sean and Lauren Rogers, Bonnye, Faith, Christopher and Grace Rogers; two great-grandchildren, Julian and Benjamin Rogers, and one on the way. Preceded in death by his precious daughter, Kellye Marie; parents, Ed and Virtie Rogers; and brothers, Cecil, Edsil, Jennings, Jimmy and twin brother, Roy. Ray's main focus in life was to be a good provider for his family. He started work at the early age of 11 by caddying at City Park Golf Course with his twin brother, Roy, to help with the family finances during the Great Depression. He worked several jobs in his teens until getting hired at Ethyl Corp. in 1945. He was a first class electrician when he retired with 23 years of service in 1968. Ray opened up and owned Rogers Auto Parts from 1961 to 1986 and was the first store to open seven days a week in Baton Rouge. Ray was also a residential and commercial contractor constructing homes and businesses around Baton Rouge for 40 years. Ray was also in business with his sons, Michael and Mark, for 32 years. He built Triple A Bar, the Texas Club and the Funny Bone Comedy Club. Along with his sons, Michael and Mark, he helped entertain more than 7 million customers in the Baton Rouge area. Ray, Mike and Mark loved working together. Mike and Mark will miss their dad, but will cherish all the great memories they shared. Visiting at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Sunday, April 17, was from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visiting resumes at the funeral home Monday from 11 a.m. until service in the chapel at 1 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Bill Brewer. Pallbearers will be Kyle, Blake, Ronnie, Sean, Chris and Wesley Rogers. Special thanks to the staff at Sherwood Manor and Hospice in His Care for all their help in caring for Mr. Ray.