Raymond Lockhart Rodgers

Raymond L. Rodgers, age 80, died at his home in Little Rock Sept 18, 2012, following a lengthy illness. He was born on May 7, 1932, at home on the family farm in Tarry, Arkansas. He was the 12th child of the late William A. & Roberta Bertrand Rodgers. He attended Star City Arkansas Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1951. He joined the Navy in Pine Bluff and was sent to California for training and upon a physical was immediately given a medical discharge. He returned to Arkansas and was employed for a short time in Little Rock with a furniture business. He returned to Pine Bluff and was employed with Arkansas Power and Light Co. (Now Entergy Arkansas) retiring in 1986. Raymond began purchasing older homes in the Quapaw Area of Little Rock and built a very profitable business. His mother's family were early settlers and prominent residents of Little Rock where his great-great-grandfather was the first mayor. Raymond married Joyce Tarleton March 3, 1954, and to this union was born one child, Raymond Tarleton (Butch) Rodgers. He was a member of Shell Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Raymond loved to dance and be with his friends. He was preceded in death by five brothers; James, Ralph, W.A., Morris & Ray Allison; five sisters, Cora Linneman, Lucille Norton, Lillian Glover, Jennie B May and Dorothy Jean Rodgers. He is survived by his son; Raymond (Butch) Rodgers and wife Mary of Little Rock; one grandson, Christopher Jackson; one brother, Robert Rodgers of Newkirk, Oklahoma; several nieces, nephews, cousins; a host of friends. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations made to www.cff.org (Cystic Fibrosis Foudation) or call 501-371-0233. Pallbearers; John Hooker, Tommy Howard, Paul Hutchins, Jim Countryman, Ron Taul, Bob Rodgers. Honorary Pallbearers; the Star City High School Class of 1951. The family would like to thank Arkansas Hospice for their special care and with special thanks going to Nina O'Conner, MD and Nurse Vicki McElwrath. The visitation will be Thursday, September 20, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors in Pine Bluff. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Friday, in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son with Reverend Jake Lindsey officiating. Burial will follow in Shell Chapel Cemetery by Ralph Robinson & Son. Online register at: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.