Roger was born to James Albert and Elvira Atwell Spangler on January 18, 1950, in Jenkinjones, West Virginia. When Roger was about thirteen years old, he and his family moved to Henry County, Virginia. He met his lifetime sweetheart, Janice, when the two were in eleventh grade and they married on August 28, 1969. Later in life, Roger and Janice had two daughters, Jessica “Jessie” and Morgan.
Roger was a jack of all trades and knew how to build or fix anything. He laid carpet, then became a brick mason, and finally retired from the Henry County Public School system from the maintenance department. If you were to visit any of the local schools, you are sure to find a cabinet, desk, or table that was made to perfection by Roger.
Roger showed love in many ways, but he was big on acts of service. He helped many family members, friends, and members of the community by replacing carpet, putting down floors, remodeling bathrooms, etc. Jessie volunteered him to coach her third-grade softball team and from there, he spent many years coaching both of his girls and many other girls in the community. He spent his retirement years helping both girls remodel their houses and was always a phone call away anytime either needed anything. He would also regularly reminisce with his sister, brother, and other family members about the good times growing up in the valley of West Virginia.
One of Roger’s greatest joys was being Papa Rog to four precious grandchildren. He made sure each one was well loved and well fed with his favorite chocolate candies. His oldest granddaughter, Carter, was his little princess and he loved watching his oldest grandson, Will, play ball. The two little boys are already following in their papa’s footsteps by taking their tools everywhere they go and “fixing” anything they think may be broke.
To know Roger was to love Roger. His family thought he was the strongest man they knew and will continue to love him dearly. Roger made sure to tell Janice he loved her, his girls, and his babies before he was called home.
He is preceded in death by his father, James Albert Spangler, his mother, Elvira Maxine Atwell Spangler, father-in-law, William “Willie” Henry Miles, and mother-in-law, Willie Hazel Miles.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janice Marie Spangler; his daughters, Jessica (Clay) Henson and Morgan (Mitchell) Turner; sister, Sandi (Stanley) Palmer, brother, Randy Spangler; brother-in-law, Tony (Faye) Miles, sister-in-law Linda (Ralph) Gammons, four grandchildren, Carter Henson, Will Turner (named after his Papa Rog), Cooper Turner, and Parker Henson, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at McKee-Stone Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 am on Friday, August 30, 2024 and will be officiated by Associate Pastor Tony Beach. Interment will follow at Roselawn Burial Park.
McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, Va. is serving the family. To express condolences on line, please visit wwwcollinsmckeestonemartinsville.com
