Robert Lee Rogers

Robert Lee Rogers, of Griffin, GA, passed away on Sunday, February 14, at Spalding Regional Hospital. Mr. Rogers was born on July 25, 1938 in Goodwater, AL. He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Troy Rogers; mother, Wynell Livingston Rogers; and brother, Thomas Troy Rogers, Jr. Robert graduated from Goodwater High School in 1956 and joined the Army National Guard, serving three years of active duty and five years in reserve duty. He had many passions in life - among the top were: Auburn football, Republican politics, Chevrolet cars, gardening, all things patriotic and collecting antique glass bottles and jars. Robert earned his Bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and pursued his passion for education by teaching the children of the Oceola Tribe in South Florida for three years, where Chief Oceola made him an honorary member of the tribe. In 1966, he moved to Cairo, GA, to work as a farm manager for the Campbell Soup Co, where he became a leader in the community. He was a Deacon for the Presbyterian Church, President of the Jaycees and the Lions. Cairo was quite possibly the single greatest influence on Robert’s life - because it’s where he met his future bride, Jan Faulk. Jan’s mother, the infamous Edwina Faulk, set them up on a blind date, as he was the hot new bachelor in town. Six weeks later, they were engaged – and three months later, they were married. In 1974, Robert was recruited by Pomona Products (Stokely Van Camp/Quaker Oats) for his expertise in growing pimiento peppers and peaches. When offered the opportunity to manage the operations in 12 states, he quickly decided to pack up the house, his wife and two young daughters and head to Griffin. Then, in 1985, Robert went to work for Goldkist/Southern States Farmer’s Co-op as a Manager. He loved working with the farmers and was happiest playing in the dirt. After retiring in 1995, his passion for gardening only grew. Robert and Jan created what he liked to call a food and flower ministry. Robert took what he grew and delivered it around town, often to people who had no idea they were getting anything. He was a world-class canner, winning multiple blue ribbons at the Spalding County Fair. He was also Grand Champion at the Southeast Flower Show with over 50 horticulture awards to his credit. Some of his happiest times were teaching his grandkids about his garden, what he grew, and how they grew (he especially loved taking them for tractor rides). Popsy, as they called him, was particularly proud of his roses, tomatoes and peppers – mainly because he could share them with anyone and everyone. He always carried small spicy peppers in his pockets, so when eating out, he could have something from home on his plate – and to test people to see if they could handle the heat. He always got a chuckle out of people starting to tear up after eating one of his peppers. He never missed a parade or voting in an election. We are quite confident he would be upset that he won’t be able to cast his vote against Hillary Clinton this year, but know he is resting well, certain that we have that covered for him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Jan Faulk Rogers; daughters, Jana Lynn Rogers O’Neil (P.J.) of Lake Forest, IL, and Rebecca Lee Rogers Benincosa (Jason) of Griffin, GA; his adoring grandchildren; Georgia Margaret O’Neil, Patrick John O’Neil, Jr, Robert Logan Benincosa, Julia Raine Benincosa and Timothy Jacob Benincosa; brother, David Rogers of Red Bay, AL; sister Libby Rogers of Goodwater, AL; sisters-in-law, Ann Rogers of Goodwater, AL, and Catherine Faulk Dorn of Atlanta; brother- in-law, Leslie Faulk of Atlanta. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, February 17, at 2:00 PM, at The First Presbyterian Church of Griffin, 1349 Macon Rd, Griffin, GA 30224. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: First Presbyterian Church of Griffin; Griffin Area Habitat for Humanity; and Snack in a Backpack in memory of Mr. Rogers.

Robert Lee Rogers

July 25, 1938 - February 14, 2016