Eric Rodney Rogers, Sr.

DATELINE: KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA

Eric Rodney Rogers

Our beloved father passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, at the age of 90. Born in 1935 to Vade Frank and Lorena Wilson Rogers, he was a native to the Charlotte area. He was a proud member of the Navy from 1953-1957, during which time he lived in Hawaii and worked as an aircraft mechanic. His time in the Navy began one of his lifelong loves – working on airplanes and especially engines. “His” airplane was an A26, but he loved all airplanes and especially loved flying.

In 1958, he married Kaye Caroline Jones, and they enjoyed 53 years together before she passed away in 2012. He was lucky enough to find love a second time and was married to Frances Daphine Putnam for nearly 10 years before her passing in March of 2025.

He was an amazing man with so many talents they are hard to name. Although he was first and foremost a husband and father, he enjoyed numerous hobbies throughout his life. Along with his passion for airplanes and his mechanical skills, he enjoyed diving in Florida and in North Carolina lakes, archery, fishing, boating, camping, traveling and hunting. He was an avid pet owner, and most evenings could be found relaxing in his recliner with one of the multiple cats that loved him over the years.

However, none of his hobbies compared to his love of motorcycles. He rode dirt bikes for many years in the NC mountains before trading in his dirt bike for a Honda Goldwing. He was a member of several riding clubs over the years and he and his wife, Kaye, made many friends that way. He rode his Goldwing until he was 89 years of age and regretfully gave it up not long before he turned 90.

In June of 2025 he celebrated his 90th birthday. Despite being in the hospital, he was surrounded by family. There were whispers in the hallway about “protocol” as at least 8 of us gathered in his small room where we ate cake and celebrated a life very well lived.

He is survived by his son Eric Rodney Rogers, Jr. (Cindy) of Monroe, NC, his daughter Candy Turbeville (Jonathan) of Mooresville, NC, his sister Nancy Talley, two granddaughters, two grandsons, two step granddaughters and three great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Kaye, his second wife Daphine, his brother “Buck” Rogers and his sister Dona Hunter.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. in the Ollie Harris Memorial Chapel with Reverend Brian Taule officiating. The family wishes you to know that casual wear is encouraged for the service and motorcycle gear especially.

VISITATION: Saturday, August 23, 2025 immediately following the service at Harris Funeral Home

INTERMENT: The family will hold a private interment at Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte, North Carolina

MEMORIALS: Donations in Eric's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online at www.cancer.org/donate

GUEST REGISTER AVAILABLE AT WWW.HARRISFUNERALS.COM
ARRANGEMENTS: HARRIS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA