Remembering Harry Rogers

Whoever wishes to be great among us must first become a servant. True greatness is not measured in what matters to man. It is measured. and achieved only by doing what matters to God, and that is putting the needs of your neighbor before your own and being a servant. On October 30, 2019, God’s faithful servant, Harry Bernard Rogers, was rewarded eternal rest as he went home to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Born in Akron, Ohio, on January 17, 1936, to Samuel and Emma Rogers, Harry was the youngest of five siblings. He was a graduate of East High School in Akron and went on to work for United Airlines for over 50 years. Harry loved to travel and working for United afforded him the ability for him and his family to see many places throughout the years. These special family vacations were a major contributor to building the closeness that his sons enjoy to this day.

Although Harry touched the lives of so many, his greatest accomplishment was his family. Harry married his sweetheart, Clissie May Ford, on June 30, 1963. Their union brought about three sons; Scott, Jeffrey, and Martin Rogers. While having a family is not unique, having one that remains as close as the one he reared is not quite as common. Harry and Clissie remained inseparable until the very moment he passed away, and through his death, his sons have become even closer – which he would have loved.

Harry came to know the Lord on Thanksgiving Day in 1989. Surrounded by his family, Harry explained how the Lord had been tugging at his heart and that when he accepted Christ, he wanted to do it in the presence of those who were the greatest example for him. His wife had been a Christian for many years, and his three sons all had new, growing relationships with the Lord. So right there at the Thanksgiving dinner table, Harry prayed to receive Christ as his Savior and never looked back.

Harry’s favorite place on this earth was Arlington Church of God, where he served faithfully under Rev. Dr. Ronald J. Fowler and current pastor Rev. Dr. Diana L. Swoope. Oh, how he loved the music at Arlington! He loved to tap his feet, clap his hands, and lift his voice to the songs of old and new. He spent many years singing in the choir, and hardly ever missed a concert given by the choir or various artists in the church. When attending church in his later years became difficult, he learned how to stream the services on his iPad, and hardly ever missed a Sunday. Arlington Church of God remained a vital connection to his home in Akron until the day he passed away.

One of Harry’s greatest passions was cooking. He established culinary greatness in Akron and beyond and was a legend when it came to his barbecued ribs. With a rib recipe that he spent years developing, Harry was, without question, in a league of his own. Feeding people was one of his greatest joys, and it was how he showed love to so many on various occasions.

Harry loved people the way Christ loves us. When people did not deserve love, he loved them anyway. When people did not deserve to receive, he gave generously. When forgiveness seemed unthinkable, not only did he forgive, but he seemingly forgot. And when a person had used up all of their chances with others, they would still have a chance with him. Harry was not a Bible scholar, but the life of Christ was evident in him by how he treated others. To the fatherless, he was a father. To the friendless, he was a friend. And to those found undesirable by others, they were always warmly welcomed into his presence. If you knew Harry, you knew what it was like to be loved.

We will always remember his warm smile, his hearty laugh, his kind heart, and how he made all of our lives better. Rest in eternal peace, Harry Rogers. Well done. Well done.

Harry Rogers was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Emma Rogers; stepmother, Josie Rogers; brothers, Carl, Marvin (Mattie) Rogers and Sam Rogers (Ruth); sister, Aurice Barnes (Hershal); grandson, Samuel Scott Rogers; nieces, Patricia Buckner, and Melinda Spaulding; niece-in-law, Patricia Rogers; and nephew, Terry Rogers.

To cherish his life and memory, Harry leaves behind his beloved wife of 56 years, Clissie; sons, Scott (Monica), Jeffrey (Philana), and Martin (April); grandsons, Martin II, Tyler, Brandon, Matthew, and Patrick; granddaughters, Alexandra, Shayna, Kristen, and Cameryn; great-granddaughter, Reyna; sisters-in-law, Vernice Rogers, Leanna Hickman, Jimmie (Frank) Curtis, Edith Lawrence; brother-in-law, Young Ford; nieces, Regina Rogers, Rita Rogers, Audrey Barnes; nephews, Marvin (Susan) Rogers Jr., Tony Rogers, Mark (Sossy) Rogers, and Carl Rogers; and other nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Special Family and Friends: Michael Buckner, Michael, and Nancy (decd.) Baitz, Reginald Garland, Steve Sonderman, Dewey and Thelma Ford (decd.), Leonard and Linder Jerels (decd.), Ernest Hickman (decd.), Jim Lawrence (decd.), Algon and Geneva Lewis (decd.), Harold and Elizabeth Wright (decd.), Rev. Dr. Ronald and Joyce Fowler, Rosa Terry, Baron Rogers, Madison Williams, Chris and Jenny Minear, William and Janet (decd.) Murphy, Richard (decd.) and Yvonne Averitte, Willard Lewis (decd.), Melvin Lewis (decd.), the Goggins/Martin family, and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention here.

We would also like to extend a special thanks to those who cared for our parents:
Marissa Williams, Audrey Barnes, Christine Collum, and Signature Healthcare (GA)