James "Edd" Edwin Rogers

Edd was born on June 6, 1946 in Winona, MS to Emmitt and Maud Clark Rogers. His early years were spent in a family of nine children in the small community of Poplar Creek. His work ethic was established during his childhood as they had a small dairy farm, cut timber, and farmed.

He graduated from Kilmichael High School in 1964 where he played football and was known as a friend to all. He was determined to go to college and worked on the pipeline in various locations during the summers to pay for his education. He graduated from Holmes Junior College and Mississippi College. After teaching for several years, he received a grant for teachers from the National Science Foundation, returned to school, and completed his master’s degree at the University of Mississippi.

Edd married Rita Flowers in 1967 after promising her father they would finish college. Edd and Rita moved to Pearl early in their marriage and found many friends in the Pearl Public School District and in the community.

After a brief teaching career, Edd entered the insurance field. He soon established Edd Rogers Insurance where he was owner/operator for over 45 years. Every client became his friend, and he worked tirelessly to provide the best possible service to each one. He sought to continue learning in order to better serve his clients by attending seminars, ordering self-help books and tapes, and reading. Edd valued relationships with his clients over technology. He believed in eye contact, a handshake, a good joke (or two), and a listening ear. He would go to any length to help a friend, often doing things behind-the-scenes that even his family did not know about.

Edd had a passion for the City of Pearl and the Pearl Public School District. When Pearl became his home, it became his heart. He was a charter member of the Pearl Chamber of Commerce, receiving the President’s Distinguished Service Award in 2017. He served with pride for many years on the Pearl School Board, faithfully supporting the administrators and teachers. He worked diligently for advancements in the school system, and he was especially proud to be a part of the planning and implementation of building the new high school.

Edd taught his boys by example and often told them to “respect and listen to older people, for they have a wealth of knowledge that can help you in your life.” He always made time for his boys – whether teaching them to drive the tractor, just working at home, attending choir and band concerts, or helping on a school project. He celebrated the life achievements of his sons with anticipation and joy. Being a grandfather raised everything up a notch. He considered it a great privilege, took it seriously, and was an amazing ‘GrandDad’ to his five grandsons.

Edd was a faithful member of McLaurin Heights Baptist Church. He served as a lifetime deacon and believed in supporting his pastor. He had a heart for children and taught children’s Sunday School as recently as three weeks ago. He found great pleasure in bringing doughnuts to the children, and he made certain to leave home in time to go by the doughnut shop and still arrive early on Sunday.

In presenting the Bible story each Sunday, he used his childhood experiences to “bring the story to life.” It was important to him to present the Bible as God’s perfect plan for us, whether the story was from the Old or New Testament.

Edd worked with Rita in Children’s Bible Drill, serving as an encourager and a timekeeper for the drills.

In addition to his church service, he was a member of Gideon’s International where he enjoyed distributing Bibles to young people in the schools.

Edd loved the Lord, his family, his friends, his tractor, family gatherings, a handkerchief in his pocket, and a good joke. His legacy is in our hearts, and we are filled with love and gratitude for what he taught us and the way he loved us.

Edd is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rita; his sons – Brad Rogers (Carol) of Pearl, MS, Wes Rogers (Shelby) of Seattle, WA, and Corey Rogers (Annika) of Enumclaw, WA; grandsons – Zack Rogers, Knox Rogers, Emmett Rogers, Silas Rogers, and William Rogers; siblings – Seth Rogers, Eva Fann, Clark Rogers, Robert Rogers, Leon Rogers, and Ann Bennett.

Edd was preceded in death by his parents, Emmitt and Maud Clark Rogers; a sister, Penny Cox; and a brother, Harold Rogers.

Visitation will be held from 5:00pm until 8:00pm, Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at McLaurin Heights Baptist Church in Pearl. Celebration of Life services are scheduled for 2:00pm, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at McLaurin Heights Baptist Church in Pearl, with interment to follow in Floral Hills Memory Gardens (Pearl). The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the church.

Memorials may be made to either the Children’s Ministry or the Music Ministry of McLaurin Heights Baptist Church, 404 Pemberton Drive, Pearl, MS 39208.