William Ray Rogers

William Ray Rogers passed while surrounded by his family at Riverside Methodist Hospital on July 3, 2021 at 3:30pm. Wil was 87 years young! He was born on Feb. 5, 1934 in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Howard and Marie Rogers from Glencoe Kentucky. He grew up in a loving home in Sharonville, Ohio, with a younger brother Samuel C. Rogers. His mother Marie constantly filled their home with extended family, especially during and after the Great Depression. Family was always the most important thing to Wil.

His first job, at 9 years of age, was as a caddy at Sharon Woods golf course. It awakened in him a lifelong love of golf. Ironically, that same Hamilton County Park would become the setting for the introduction and courtship of the young lady who would become his partner for the next 68 years. He married his teenage sweetheart the lovely Wilma Jean Wyatt, prom queen and head cheerleader at a rival school, at the young age of 19. Soon to be a parent, Wil enlisted in the Air Force and was initially stationed at Otis Air Force Base in the western part of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It was here their first child Kimberly was born. After pursuing an Associates degree at the University of Cincinnati he left school and became a district manager for Chrysler Corporation in order to provide for his new family. From there he discovered the excitement and challenges of the restaurant business. Over the next several decades Wil established a name for himself at some of Cincinnaties finest eateries including: The Maisonette, La Normandie, Chesters Road House and The Sovereign to name a few. Known for his cowboy boots and hat he greeted many celebrities and dinner guests with a warm smile, firm handshake and impeccable hospitality. Outside of work Wil was a tough competitor on the golf course having a low handicap, monster drive, and sweet southpaw fade. Wil also, especially in later years, pursued woodworking and carving with a passion, creating many beautiful heirlooms for the family he loved.

Wil was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother Sam. He is survived by his wife, Wilma Jean, three children, his daughter Kimberly Quick (Rogers) and her husband Leonard Quick of Upper Arlington, son Jeffrey Rogers and wife Kathleen (Kit) Knisely also of UA, and son W. Mark Rogers and his wife Brooke Rogers (Brown) of Cincinnati. Also grandchildren Elizabeth (Quick) and husband Erik Maso, Ashley (Quick) and husband Dr. Anish Parikh, George Quick, Brandon Rogers and his wife Kylie (Holbrook), Mitchell Rogers, Hannah Rogers, and Natalie Rogers. Plus the great grandchildren; Elsa, Ethan and Edith Maso, Zoe and Corinne Parikh and Charlotte Rogers.

Wil's love and legacy is his wonderful family.

Family and friends can visit from 5-6pm on Friday July 9, 2021 at Schoedinger Funeral home in Upper Arlington, at 1740 Zollinger Rd. 43221. Memorial Service following the visitation at 6 PM. Graveside Service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to: Disabled American Veterans at DAV.org