Charles G. "Buddy" Rogers Sr.

Charlie was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. His parents “Honey” and Solon Grady Rogers married quite young and as sometimes happens they divorced shortly after Charlie’s birth. Grady was not active in his sons life. However, in 1962, while attending his father’s funeral and meeting aunts and uncles for the first time he was surprised to learn that this “new family” knew many things about him not just of his achievements, but many day to day “things”.

Charlie was blessed to have 3 mothers, his grandmother, Eva “Mumsie” Strickland; mother, “Honey” and aunt, Pauline “Polly” or “Puddin” Tolar and a grandfather “Daddy John” Strickland.

These ladies loved and cherished him and Honey gave him a step father James A “Jimmy” Wood who declared Charlie as his son before he married Honey and took her all over the world. They would give him a brother Jim who was and is a great friend.

He was a proud graduate of Central High School class of 1952- GO TIGERS! While at Central he was a Thespian and a member of the band, at that time Central’s band was rated very high in the nation and received many honors. Upon completion of high school he went to business school.

Back in the 1950’s Jackson, even though the capital of Mississippi, was just a small town in atmosphere and Mississippi Valley Gas was only a block from their house. This was a time when the smartest people didn’t always have a college education and even if you did have one it was just a piece of paper. It was a time of knowing the right people could “get you in the door”. Mrs. Stickland told one of the gentlemen of Valley Gas that her “Buddy” needed a job- “Well have him come see me.” He did and soon was employed. For 27 years Charlie’s life was mainly lived in an area that was composed of four square city blocks- birth, play, church and work.

After about 24 years into his life some friends Duwane, Sonny, and let’s not forget Larry and Johnny living next door to some young ladies named Jeanette and Geraldine who introduced him to Hermine.

At this time he was now taking care of “Mumsie” and there was really no way he was going to let anyone come before his commitment to this precious lady who had raised him. Also, Jackson seemed to be getting more and more pretty ladies each week. “Mumsie” passed away in 1960, but Polly and her husband Tolar were still there- sometimes there’s nothing better than family.

Through the invitation of Jeanette and Geraldine one night he attended a party at the YWCA. That girl Hermine was there and she could dance! From then on they kept running into each other- he then thought maybe he ought to call her! And call he did and a year later they were married.

Happy years followed then there was a baby on the way! Daughter, Lisa was born but there was a problem- Spinal Bifida entered their lives. This beautiful, little girl who looked just like him was given only 48 hours to live.

Also, Mississippi Valley Gas wanted him to transfer to Meridian, MS so leaving Lisa in the hospital, not knowing what would happen, they moved.

The people of Meridian didn’t like Jacksonians, but Mr. Shaffer and his co-workers were so wonderful. After eight weeks and three surgeries later Lisa was able to come home. There were many rushed trips to the hospital and monthly trips to Jackson for Dr. Luke Hodges, a neurosurgeon, to examine Lisa. By Christmas, she had had 3 more operations.

Charlie was a good amateur photographer. He covered several friend’s wedding and many football games. At least once a month he took pictures of Lisa, many of them with large bandages on her head.

Lisa continued to grow and she was a happy baby. Her first birthday was spent in the hospital. During her first year of life she spent ¼ of it in the hospital where she underwent 8 major operations with 7 of them touching her brain.On February 1, 1966, they had a son, Chip. Two babies each different, but so very special.

Charlie had become a ham radio operator (W5FII- “Friendly Intelligent Idiot”) before Lisa was born. This was to be a life saver. He could put a call to someone in Jackson when Lisa was in the hospital and he could talk directly to his wife or in-laws “Long distance was expensive these days.”

In October of 1966 he was transferred back to Jackson- Charlie and 5 others were sent to Texas where they entered the world of computers. After several different visits they not only set up the computers in the Jackson office, but went all over the state teaching others this new form of life.

He continued to enjoy photography, making many pictures including his parents and in-laws 50th anniversary celebrations. He was also very active in his Ham Radio Club holding many offices. Particularly important was his work during the tornado that hit Apple Ridge Shopping Center and when Camille hit the coast of Mississippi.

Always a loving father, he coached Chip in baseball, football, and soccer. He brought the Mississippi Soccer Championship from the Gulf Coast to Jackson. He truly loved all the young men he coached, but his soccer boys were more like sons than players. Many of them would call him in later years just to talk. Also, serving as president of the Jackson Soccer League.

After working 40 years he retired at age 62. He enjoyed his life, mainly staying up all night and sleeping during the day. Just like ham radio there was always someone awake to share the moment. It was said that a few hours before his death he had posted something on Facebook.

As life goes on, death enters. After Lisa’s birth, Charlie went to Pauline and informed her that they were to use Pauline as his little girl’s middle name. Less than a week later, Pauline passed away. After a few years later Jim married the wonderful Jan and they brought James and Nikki to us and they in turn their children. Hermine’s parents passed away (both in their 80’s). Then Chip brought our daughter-in-love, Cheryl and they were able to adopt Beth and Sara. Sadly, BJ passed and after our Lisa, Honey passed at age 90. Then tragically nephew, James- that old man cancer doesn’t respect age or sex.

Charlie is now gone- there is joy knowing family and friends were waiting Saturday evening as he met our Lord and Savior who welcomed him to the Father. Sunday was the celebration of our believing that a man who lived and gave His life and rose from the dead so that we can have the pleasure of living through eternity in a Heaven more beautiful than we can imagine.

Mr. Rogers is survived by his wife of nearly 54 years, Hermine Lehman Rogers; son, Charles G “Chip” Rogers and daughter-in-love Cheryl McNeer; precious granddaughters, Beth and Sara; brother, James A Wood, II and wife Jan; niece, Nikki Brady and husband Jason; niece by marriage, Adrienne Wood; 1 great niece and 3 great nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, Solon Grady Rogers; mother, Auline “Honey” Strickland Wood; step-father, Jimmy A Wood; grandmother, Eva Strickland; aunt, Polly Tolar; and nephew, James A. Wood, III.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a charity of your choice.