Remembering Bobby Rogers

  

   One of the first people I met, even before I was officially the 4-H Extension Agent in the County was Bobby Rogers.  He was one of the 4-H Volunteers asked to sit in on my presentation when I interviewed for this job.  I remember him sitting towards the back of the room, near his wife Aggie, who was the 4-H Program Associate.  He was smiling, nodding, and very supportive with his body language which put me at ease in a new and different environment.  I remember after accepting the position he came to me, smiling and said I knew it was going to be you.  I can't wait to see what you do.

  Over the years Bobby was more than just a 4-H Volunteer.  Sure he came in and did carpentry workshops with the kids, ran the electric program, and taught countless volunteer workshops.  Before my tenure in the program he was a volunteer with Young Leaders 4-H Club when his children were in 4-H.  He volunteered to take 4-H members to camp and he helped with the animal science program.  He was sort of a jack of all trades, and as you know in 4-H that comes in really handy. 

  What I will remember and cherish most was when Bobby would come in and take me to the side and just give me a pep talk when I needed it.  No one else may be aware of what was going on but Bobby Rogers always did.  He was honest and gentle and always made sure I knew his point and had his support.  When things were hard he always listened, gave me his best advice and quoted scripture to back up his point.  So you can see he was more than just a 4-H Volunteer Extradonaire, he was also a friend.  

  A proud member of the North Carolina Volunteer Leader's Hall of Fame and the second inductee to the Robeson County 4-H Hall of Fame in 2013,  it is fair to say Bobby left his mark in 4-H and positively influenced youth from all over the state.  Every time you saw Bobby he had a smile on his face and he was so glad to see you or meet you, it just made you feel good to be around him.  

  Bobby's first love was God, Jesus and church.  His family was right there next to that.  His wife Aggie is a 4-H Volunteer, turned county 4-H staff, and now in her retirement a volunteer again leading the Titans 4-H Club.  If you ask her, she will tell you, she bleeds 4-H green.  Their children Maurice and Debbie grew up in 4-H as did their children; Amaria, Maurice (aka Reece Reece), and Darius (aka DJ).  My first memories of the children in this program are around those three, and they are memories that make me smile.

  When he wasn't involved in 4-H activities you could either find Bobby in his workshop that he built by hand behind the house or he was at church.  He loved music and taught him self how to play a variety of instruments but that electric guitar was where he shined.  He passed that love of music on to his son Maurice and his grandson DJ.  Bobby also cooked for church functions and 4-H functions.  I have to say he made the best fried chicken I have ever tasted. He even had a special outdoor fryer made to handle the large amounts of chicken and fish he was asked to prepare for crowds from all over this state.

  After serving in the Army, Bobby's day job was working for the city of Lumberton for more than 30 years in their wastewater treatment plant.  He had the education, knowledge, and common sense that kept things running smoothly for years.  Bobby retired to find himself busier than ever.  One night he and Aggie woke up in the aftermath of a hurricane to find water up to their knees.  They salvaged what they could and moved in with their daughter in law Gwen (who is also a 4-H volunteer).  Bobby spent day and night supervising the rebuilding of their family home, making sure that once again his family had a safe place to live.  

  In recent years Bobby's health declined and he was admitted to Cape Fear Hospital in April of 2024.  He was there for over a year until he passed away Wednesday, May 14th.  Aggie and their family were by his side and our hearts go out to them as we offer prayers for the healing of their broken hearts.  

  Services for Deacon Bobby Rogers will be Thursday, May 22 at Pentecostal United Holy Church located at 2300 Gavintown Road, Lumberton, NC 28358.  The viewing will be from 1-2pm, with the Celebration of Life to follow.  He will be buried in the church cemetery after the service.  

  Bobby, thank you for all you did here, and Godspeed.