Joseph J. Rogers

Joseph J. Rogers

Augusta, GA - Joseph J. Rogers, a leader in the economic and community development of Augusta, entered into rest Saturday, October 3, 2015. Mr. Rogers, one of the original employees of the Procter and Gamble Augusta Plant, was known as “Mr. Tide” by those who remember him as a spokesman for the company.

He was a long time member of St. Mark Methodist Church. He served in the US Army during World War II and the Korean Conflict where he was awarded the Purple Heart and Distinguished Infantry medals. Upon graduation from Vanderbilt University he was employed by Procter and Gamble and served in various locations and positions until retirement in 1992 as Governmental Relations Manager. After retirement he continued to serve as a private consultant in governmental affairs.

He loved his sons, his grandchildren and their friends and was actively involved in their lives. He is known as “Coach” by hundreds of men who played baseball and basketball under his tutelage. He served as Scout Master in National Hills for many years and as President of the Westside High School Booster Club in the mid 1970's. He was the number one fan for his grandchildren in all of their endeavors.

A transplanted “Yankee” born in Easton, Pennsylvania, May 18, 1927, he was the son of Charles Ellis Rogers and Evelyn Hendershot Rogers. Mr. Rogers embraced his adopted community and worked tirelessly for its development and advancement. In recognition of his outstanding voluntary service Mr. Rogers was presented the Alexis de Tocqueville Society award by the United Way of America in 1987. He was granted life membership in AUSA having served as the Ft. Gordon Chapter President 1977-1980. In 1985 he was awarded the rank of Brevet Colonel by the Fort Gordon Signal Corp.

Other civic involvements include serving as Fund Raising Chair for the United Negro College Fund, President of the Kiwanis Club of Augusta and Lt. Governor of the Georgia District, President of United Way of Augusta 1982-1983, and Chairman of the March of Dimes 1972. He served on the University Hospital Healthcare Foundation for decades. From 1987-1996 he was Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Augusta Technical College and since 1996 has served as a Trustee with the Technical Colleges of Georgia. Since 2001 he has served on the Advisory Board of First Bank of Augusta. He served on the board of directors of the Richmond County Department of Family and Children Services. He also served on the Board of the National Science Center and Fort Discovery. He was a member of the Augusta Country Club and the Augusta Yacht Club.

Survivors include his wife Myrtle “Chip” Rogers; sons: Steven Rogers and wife Dee of Smyrna, Georgia, Jerry Rogers and wife Angela of Augusta; step-daughter : Annalisa Adams of Augusta, four grandchildren: Grayson Rogers, Parker Rogers and wife Joye, Thomas Rogers and wife Lauren, and Emily Rogers; two great-grandchildren: Grace Rogers and Gideon Rogers; sister: Nancy Shanahan and husband Neil as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by Jean Ward Rogers, his wife of 46 years, and his father, mother and his brother Allen.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 8 at 2:00 pm. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet with Dr. G. Daniel McCall officiating. Burial to follow at Westover Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Grayson Rogers, Parker Rogers, Thomas Rogers and Hugh Fleming. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Bricker, Jamie Halpin, Art Brooke, Lee Sheridan and members of the Kiwanis Club of Augusta.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jean Rogers Endowment Fund at the University Hospital Healthcare Foundation or the Joe and Chip Rogers Nursing Student Endowment at Augusta Technical College.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 5:30 – 7:30 at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com