Thomas Rogers was born on August 31, 1943 in Wabash, Arkansas to Luvenia (Pearson) and the late Rev. Jesse Rogers, Sr. He was one of 8 children. In his early childhood years, The Rogers clan relocated to Ohio. He was raised in Oakwood Village and graduated from Bedford High School in 1961.

Tommie enlisted in the U.S. Marines on January 12, 1970 and served as a Marksman & Rifleman. Following his time in the military, he honed in the God-given talent of working with his hands. Tommie worked as an Electrician at the Illuminating Company for many years until his retirement. Even though he worked full time there, he still managed to create his own business as a local plumber and electrician and played a significant role in the development of many homes in the Oakwood Village and Bedford area. He was a hard worker and took great pride in providing for his family.

Tommie was definitely a family man. Even as hard as he worked, he made time to enjoy taking Curtis and Darnell fishing, cooking, being a Grill Master, and hosting his family and friends at his home. On any given weekend you could find the neighborhood kids hanging out in the basement or backyard with Aneasha at his house on Balsam. He took pride in being the most popular house on the block!

Tommie served the church for many years throughout his life. He was a deacon at his fathers church Second Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church and Grace Missionary Baptist Church. Coming from a family rooted in gospel music, he was also quite the singer. He sang in the church choir as well as with the popular Roberson Ensemble in the tenor section. His favorite song to sing was “Jesus is Love” by The Commodores and he sang it well!

Tommie was a mans man that loved his sports. Like a true and loyal Clevelander, he was an avid Browns fan to the very end. Even at the end of his journey here, he was very adamant about making sure everyone knew that “this is the team” that will win the Super Bowl. He enjoyed going to Cavs games with Tina and staying on the phone with her throughout every game.

Despite Tommie suffering a massive, life-changing stroke in 2002 he fought to stay alive and continue to love his life and family. He enjoyed spending quality time with his brother Jimmy, his sister Luella (deceased) and his 100 1/2 year old mother Luvenia.

Tommie went home to be with the Lord on February 3, 2022 at Marymount Hospital.

He is preceded in death by his father Pastor Jesse Rogers, Sr., his siblings Jesse Jr., Ruth, Lorain, Lubertha, and Luella.

He leaves to cherish his memories his children Tina, Curtis, Darnell(Lisa), Lamia, and Aneasha(Brandon). He was affectionately known as “Paw Paw” to his grandchildren Shawntel, C.J., April, Arielle, Hans, Darnell Jr., Devin, and Arline & his great grandchildren Zion, Nai’Mya, Yah’Bree, Urie, Clinton, Madison, and Chase.

His siblings James & Mary, his loving Mother Luvenia Rogers and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Rest on in the arms the Lord Tommie.

Humbly Submitted,

The Family