JOHN JERRY ROGERS
John Jerry Rogers, 82, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, at National Healthcare of Sumter, after a long, courageous battle.
John was a patriot, a true American hero who lived a grateful life of self-reliance, trust in God and dedication to his family and country.
He leaves behind: his dedicated caretaker and loving wife of 55 years, Fuji Rogers; two sons, John Rogers and James (Amy) Rogers; five grandchildren, Charlie Rogers, Caroline Rogers, Elizabeth Rogers, William Rogers and Audrey Rogers; and many dear family members and friends.
John, lovingly known as Jerry to his Mississippi family, was born on March 24, 1936, in Winston County, Mississippi. He enjoyed a simple, yet fulfilling life in an era, setting and community that he held dear to his heart. His experiences as a young man can be characterized as tough and even poor, and John attributed these tough and poor circumstances to his Southern grit and appreciation of a hard-earned, comfortable life. His life was forever changed when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a revival held at Murphy Creek Baptist Church.
After graduating from Bond High School in 1954, John enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and completed technical training in General Aircraft Maintenance (AFSC 431). After 26 years of honorable service, including the Vietnam War, John retired as a chief master sergeant (E9). John then worked at Westinghouse (now Eaton Cutler-Hammer) and fully retired after 16 years.
Retirement meant doing the things that he loved, which was spending time with his family: fishing with his sons and spoiling his grandchildren.
John recorded these words of thanks prior to his death: "Fuji, the best decision I ever made was to marry you. All these years, you took care of our boys and me: whether it was providing a happy home, our family supper or taking care of everything during all those TDYs, you have been everything we needed in a wife and mother."
John and his family would like to thank "Tom" Thomason, who saved John's life; Jerry Duhon, John's best friend who visited John every day; Aaron Pruitt, who visited John often; Paul Racicot; Dr. G.E. Rabon; Dr. Paul Evangelisti; the staff at National Healthcare (NHC); Palmetto Tuomey Hospital and Amedisys Hospice, especially Becca, Cassandra, Geneva, Jessica, Robert, Schavona and Tanya; the DAV; the American Legion; and the VFW.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday in the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be a private family ceremony, where John will be interred with full military honors at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday at Bullock Funeral Home.
You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family's guest book.
The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.