Roger L. Earnhardt

Roger was born on May 22, 1937 in Monroe, NC to the late Cyrus Parsons and Florence Rodgers Earnhardt. He shared an adventurous childhood with his late brothers Cy and John and his younger sister Dianne in the thriving hamlet of Monroe. His family enjoyed frequent trips to the mountains outside of North Wilkesboro to visit with close relatives. Though relatively slight of stature, he was a proud member of the Monroe High School football team. Roger attended UNC – Chapel Hill for a year prior to serving two years in the U.S. Army stationed at Ft. Knox. He returned to UNC where he was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma and completed his B.S. degree in Industrial Relations. During his second tenure at Chapel Hill, Roger met and eventually married Eugenia (Genie) Cloud Paden of Clemson, SC on December 26, 1959.

Upon graduation from Chapel Hill, Roger embarked on a long and acclaimed career in mortgage banking, primarily with Cameron-Brown Company. He was instrumental in the standardization of the 30-year fixed rate mortgage as well as the securitization of mortgage loans that dramatically increased the opportunities for home ownership by families across the country. After his many years in the mortgage banking industry, Roger contributed his talent and commitment to the non-profit sector, focusing on the financing and development of affordable housing. Among the many accolades and recognitions of his storied career, Roger was inducted into the NC Housing Hall of Fame by the Homebuilders Association and presented with the Master Builder Award by the NC Housing Finance Agency.

Away from work, Roger joined Genie in devotedly raising their sons, John and Jim. If the boys weren’t involved in their various sports endeavors, Saturdays were spent working on cars, taking care of projects around the house and yard, then settling down to watch his beloved Tarheels on the court or field. Sundays often included ushering at Edenton Street Methodist Church followed by brunch at North Ridge Country Club or Vin Rouge restaurant before coming home to pull for one of his favorite drivers in a Nascar race. Roger was a master of the charcoal grill – Genie and he often hosted parties and served up many great meals for family, friends and colleagues. Later in life, they acquired a home on the sound in Pine Knoll Shores and enjoyed exploring the coast in their boat. As the years went by, Roger and Genie gracefully and joyfully transitioned into their roles as Pop and Gigi to their grandchildren – Paden, Maddie, Hannah and Jack. As retirement allowed more time for travel, they enjoyed numerous trips abroad, across the country and especially enjoyed frequent visits to Charleston, Asheville and Highlands. When Genie’s health declined, Roger stepped up as her primary caregiver. Eventually, they left the house they had spent 50 years making a truly special home and moved to Springmoor. Roger faithfully visited Genie in the skilled nursing wing before ultimately joining her there several years ago. Sadly, Genie passed away earlier this year and though it’s difficult to lose Roger too, the family is comforted knowing they are together again. He served as a great role model to all who knew him – embodying the values of kindness, integrity and determination. His legacy will endure.

Roger is survived by his sister Dianne and her husband Phil Nordan of Monroe as well as his son John and his wife Cathy of Simsbury, CT and their children Maddie, Hannah and Jack; and his son Jim and his wife Rena of Raleigh and their child Paden Harris, her husband Phen and their daughter Chasie.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Springmoor and Transitions for their loving care of Roger.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Roger’s honor to the Springmoor Endowment Fund, Transitions Lifecare or Edenton Street United Methodist Church.

A private graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh is serving the Earnhardt family.