Buddy Rogers Jr

View Funeral WebcastMr. Elmer Henry "Buddy" Rogers, Jr., age 77, passed away at his home on January 15, 2016, with his beloved wife Katherine by his side, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 11:00 A.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral home with Wendell Robinson, Roy Gallaher, Jr. and John Harris officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens with John Vaughan officiating and military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post #19. The family will visit with friends Monday 4:00- 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials be made in his memory to the King's Daughters' School of Columbia, 412 W. 9th Street, Columbia, TN, 38401 or Columbia Academy, 1101 W. 7th Street, Columbia, TN, 38401. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. Buddy was born on May 9, 1938, at King's Daughters' Hospital to the late Elmer and Grace Rogers of Columbia. He grew up in Columbia, attended Highland Park Elementary, Witthorne Junior High and Columbia Central High. Following his service in the United States Marine Corps he married Mary Katherine Yarbrough, his high school sweetheart, in 1959. He attended Tennessee Tech for two years before finishing his Mechanical Engineering Degree at the University of Tennessee. Buddy began his career with the Aluminum Company of America in Alcoa, TN. During his career he worked in Pittsburgh, PA, Palestine, TX, and returned to Pittsburgh as a Senior Technical Specialist. He retired from Alcoa with 30 years of service, eight patents and the Alcoa Laboratory Merit Award. After retiring, Buddy enjoyed consulting assignments; primarily with his long time mentor, Charles Toth of Toth Aluminum Company. He enjoyed serving the Optimist Club of Maryville, TN, where he worked with inner city Boy Scout troops. He served on the Library Board and as an elder in the Holiday Park Church of Christ in Murrysville, PA. Buddy was also an honorary member of the King's Daughters' and Sons'.Buddy has been a tutor to many and was a great tour guide as he much enjoyed travel and history. He was a devoted Bible student. He and Katherine were always willing babysitters to his four grandchildren and a hand to anyone in need. He had many hobbies and interests; he was an artist and loved contract bridge, cribbage, dominoes, and puzzles. He enjoyed competitive games of all kinds, had master's points in duplicate bridge but most treasured his expertise in "Go Fish" and "Candyland". He is survived by Katherine, his devoted wife of 57 years; daughter, Rebecca (Henry) Stilwell of Franklin, TN; son, E. Henry (Elaine) Rogers, III, of Kansas City; four grandchildren, Abigail Grace Stilwell and Katherine Brett Stilwell of Franklin, Olivia Grace Rogers and John Henry Rogers of Kansas City and one great grandson, Ezra James Stilwell of Franklin. He was the big brother to Linda Bassham of Livonia, TN, Douglas (Norma) Rogers of Columbia, and Hope (Tim) Fullington of Livonia, sister-in-law, Mildred Rogers of Columbia. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins. Buddy also leaves Roy and Carolyn Gallaher, Jr. of Maryville, Tennessee, a relationship that cannot be adequately described by brother-in-law and sister-in-law. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ronnie Rogers. Pallbearers will be David Lentz, Wayne Rogers, Tim Fullington, Chris Hardison, Stephen Hardison, and Andrew Hardison. Honorary Pallbearers include his Graymere Church of Christ Elders, Deacons and The Robinson-Wortman Sunday School Class, the Holiday Park Church of Christ, Central High School Class of 1956, Joe Delk, Allen Elias, Dwayne Fulks, John Harris, Larry King, Jim Thomas, Stoney Warren, Chuck Drum and Charles Webster.Sandra Knott has been a devoted caregiver to Buddy and never has there been a more gentle, loving provider. She and Buddy had a special relationship and she will always be a family member. The family is grateful to everyone who has reached out with calls, letters, visits, stories and prayers and to Hospice Compassus for their tender care.