Donald Ottis Rogers

Don was born in Norfolk, Virginia, into a military family and grew up with a strong sense of family, perseverance, and service. He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford Rogers, and his mother, Hazel Nobles Rogers. Don was a beloved brother to his older brother, Cliff Rogers, and his younger sisters, Phyllis Pellegrino and Theresa Rogers White.

One of the greatest blessings of Don’s life was finding his childhood Junior High School sweetheart, Shirley Ballard Rogers. Together, they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage—a true love story built on devotion, laughter, faith, and a lifetime of memories. Shirley was Don’s one and only true love, and caring for and protecting her was one of the deepest purposes of his life.

He was a proud and loving father to four children: Traci, Tracy Rogers Hazouri (Jamey Hazouri); Shannon Rogers Sekula (Dan Sekula); and Jason Rogers (Tracy Lynn Reynolds). He was also a proud grandfather to five beautiful grandchildren: Courtney, Connor, Bella, Luke, and Rylar.

A graduate of Terry Parker High School, Class of '67, Don excelled in both football and baseball. His love of baseball continued at St. Johns Junior College, where he continued to play the sport he loved.

Don spent his career working in several local financial institutions and was a familiar and respected face throughout the Jacksonville community. Outside of work, he stayed active and competitive, playing tennis at the local YMCA and taking every opportunity he could to get out on the golf course. He was also honored to serve as Worshipful Master of his Masonic Lodge, a role that reflected his commitment to brotherhood, service, and leadership.

Don was a man who knew how to enjoy life. He was a devoted Gator, Jaguars, and Braves fan, a true Disney fanatic, and a lover of good food—especially Bono/Sonny’s BBQ, Popeyes chicken, his home made ice cream, his buttered popcorn with extra butter and special salt, pretty much any buffet that would let him come back for another plate as long as it had NO ONIONS, his Yeti in hand with his sweet tea or Dr. Pepper and enjoyed attending his Grandchildren's events! He loved decorating for Christmas, walking or driving his dogs around the neighborhood, and, perhaps most of all, making people laugh. His humor was unmistakably Don’s—sometimes perfectly timed, sometimes completely inappropriate, but almost always guaranteed to make someone laugh.

Don was also a fighter. A multiple cancer and stroke survivor, he faced some of life’s hardest battles with determination and an incredible will to keep going. But in his later years, what became most important to Don was not simply surviving—it was living with purpose and faith.

Most importantly, Don was a Godly man. He attended Eleven 22 in Arlington, where he poured himself into the Word of God during his later years. His faith became an increasingly important part of who he was, and he sought to lead by example. He wanted those around him to know the love of God not just through his words, but through the way he lived his life.

His final wish was simple but profound: that his entire family would find their way home, that they would always be taken care of, and especially that his beloved Shirley would always be cared for. His greatest legacy is not found in the things he accomplished, but in the people he loved and the faith he hoped to leave behind.

Don leaves behind a family who will miss his laugh, his stories, his stubbornness, his humor, his larger-than-life personality, and the countless little things that made him uniquely Don. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that he is finally home—and that the love he had for his family will continue through every generation.

A Celebration of Life for Don will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St. Johns Bluff Road N. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a service immediately following at 12:00 p.m.

In true Don fashion, the family invites everyone to wear something Disney in his honor.

The family will also be holding a private ceremony at the family home and kindly asks for privacy during that time.

Don’s life was a gift. His faith was his foundation. Shirley was his great love. His family was his heart.

Until we meet again, We love you to the moon and back.