Don Phillip Rogers

Mom always said that there was a grain of truth in every story that Dad told, you just had to find it. He would appreciate the following story about himself. It was written based on a short questionnaire that we filled out at the funeral home and then written by someone that never met Dad. However, the spirit of this biography is in perfect keeping with Dad's story telling style. His stories got better and more interesting the more times that he told it. This bio is in keeping with about the 15th telling of his life story. Read and enjoy and remember the Don that you personally knew.

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Don Phillip Rogers. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Don was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant. Often he claimed to dislike social events, but as it turned out, he was always the life of the party!

Don was born on December 7, 1932 at his home at 1104 Parson Street in Charlotte, North Carolina in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was the son of Union Monroe and Mary Bennett Rogers. Don was raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Don was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Don's personality throughout his life.

Though Don was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Don was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Don worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Don was raised with 3 siblings. He had an older sister Frankie, two younger brothers, Steve and Larry. Don and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Don was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Don was always tactful. One thing Don will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Don had a number of interests and was an active child. Don took part in playing Baseball.

For Don, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Don was also adept at details. Don was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things.

There was one thing that all of Don's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Don was such a popular person throughout his life. But Don was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Don was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Don was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Don was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Don was unknowingly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Don made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of his best friends were JB, Herman, and Alton Kerr, Howard and Earl Crump and Arty Banker.

Don was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Don cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. Compassionate and devoted, Don worked hard to make his new family happy. He and Joyce Yandle Rogers were married on June 22, 1956 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Harmony was important to Don and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Don and Joyce were blessed with three children, two sons, Phil and Gary and one daughter, Patty. They were also blessed with four grandchildren, Ashley, Apirl, Chris and Paula. Don was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Don was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Don would listen before he would act.

Taking his work seriously came naturally to Don, and he expected the same from those around him. Don was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Don was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Don handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture. He was employed for 32 years with A & P as a stock clerk where he received the nickname "Rabbit". When he left A & P he worked for 22 years at Spencer Gifts as a Security Guard. He would never miss a day if he could help it and he consistently gave back his vacation and sick time over his years of employment. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

Blessed with a practical nature, Don was a person who appreciated routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. Don was enlisted in the Army 35th Infantry. He was stationed in Hawaii and Japan and shipped to Korea at the end of the Korean War. Fortunatley, he never witnessed any conflict. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Private 1st Class. He received several awards including a National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

A methodical man, Don enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were spending time with his family and gardening.

Don was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. He had a pet pig when he was growing up. His family was rounded out by his claims of an imaginary dog that his family allowed to escape whenever the gate to the yard was open!

Since it was easy for Don to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Don was ready when that day to retire finally came in May 1, 2010. He reluctantly retired due to his failing health. In retirement, he learned how to navigate his electric wheelchair, and trying to teach his sons how to plant a garden! Even in retirement, Don stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

Don passed away on October 1, 2010 at at his home. Don fought a brave battle against Cancer. He leaves behind his loving wife of 54 years, Joyce Yandle Rogers; three children, Phil (Irene) Rogers, Gary (Diane) Rogers, Patty (Paul) Layton; four grandchildren, Ashley, April, Chris, Paula; a sister, Frankie Fincher; a brother, Steve Rogers; an uncle Jerry Rogers and an aunt Lula Rogers Allen. Services were held at 1:00 PM, Monday, October 4, 2010 in McEwen Funeral Service Derita Chapel. Don was laid to rest in Northlake Memorial Gardens, Huntersville, North Carolina.

Don was a fantastic conversationalist who had a great wit about him. He could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Don was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Don Phillip Rogers.