Robert Vernon Rodgers, age 82, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on November 9, 2018. Robert was born on February 4, 1936 to Helen Nabors and Joseph Vernon Rodgers. He grew up in Shady Side , AL and graduated from Ensley High School where he played football for the Yellow Jackets.
After High School, he met the love of his life, Barbara (Bobbie) Sharbutt. Robert and Bobbie were dating when he joined the military where he served as a Military Police Officer. Robert was serving in Italy and was flown home to marry Bobbie in a double wedding with Bobbie’s twin sister, Jo Ann and her husband, Gene Aaron Mann on January 2, 1960. Robert was called back up to serve guarding missiles during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Following his military career, Robert began working at Washer Refrigeration Supply. Robert loved his work family but especially enjoyed the years that he was able to work with his son, Walter. After he retired, Robert would say he embarked on his most important job, enjoying time with his grandkids and great grandsons. He loved being able to go and support his grandchildren at their events, whether watching his granddaughters cheer or his grandson playing baseball. He also loved taking trips to the beach with his bride and family. He was a member of Northside Baptist Church in Jasper. Though he grew up Methodist, he had a special relationship with and loved for Brother David Byrd and was proud to join the church and loved his church family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Vernon Rodgers and Helen Nabors Rodgers; brother, Jack Rodgers and brother-in-law, Gene Aaron Mann. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Bobbie; children, Robbin Rodgers (Mike) Johnson of Jasper, AL and Walter (Denise) Rodgers of Gardendale, AL; grandchildren, Stephanie (Derek) Whisler of Seward, NE, JB Johnson of Kennesaw, GA and Ashlan and Brooke Rodgers both of Gardendale, AL and great grandchildren, Ty and Colton Whisler, and special extended family, Jo Ann, Debra, and John Mann.
Family will receive friends Wednesday November 14, 2018 from 1:00 – 2:00 PM at Ridout’s Elmwood Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 2:00. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery. Pastor David Byrd officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Northside Baptist Church in Jasper, AL.
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