Walter Eugene Rogers, 82, of Gordonsville, died peacefully Sunday, May 8, 2022, at the UVA Culpeper Regional Hospital.
He was born, on December 11, 1939, to the late Walter Joe and Dora Lee Shifflett Rogers. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Shirley Jean Fincham. Walter was also preceded in death by two sisters, Ethel Rogers Jarrell and Dorothy Rogers Moubray.
Family and faith were priority one for Walter. He was a deeply devoted husband who, with Shirley by side, built a life of love and service to both. He was a hard worker, dependable and determined to succeed; but he always had time for fun with family and friends along the way. As a young man, he enjoyed fast cars and baseball. He played shortstop and was a talented pitcher; rumor has it that he was being scouted by the Washington Senators before an injury took him out of the game. Walter enjoyed for animals and the outdoors. Camping became a favorite way to spend time with family and friends throughout his lifetime, from the early days with his young family, later with week-long camping trips with the grandkids, until more recently with annual fall cabin camping trips at Douthat State Park with various friends (“camp family”) and family, his great-grandchildren.
He was an electrician by trade and a born leader. Walter retired from the University of Virginia Facilities Management with 41 years of proud service. He worked his way up through the ranks, making many lifelong friends (“work family”) along the way. He was, of course, a die-hard UVA sports fan, as well.
Walter was a member of Forest Hill Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon for many years. In the early years, when Forest Hill was newly reopened by Reverend Shearer, he and Shirley were part of the core group of individuals that worked tirelessly in service to God to make Forest Hill Baptist what it is today. His love and dedication to his church, his “church family” and his faith never wavered and was a rock-solid source of strength and comfort to him.
Walter is survived by one son, Walter Eugene Rogers, Jr., and his wife, Tammy Spriggs Rogers of Gordonsville; two grandchildren, Jennifer Rogers Barnes and her husband Antonio Barnes of Williamsburg, Jason Rogers of Zion Crossroads; and two great-grandchildren, Alexander and Adelyn Barnes of Williamsburg.
Funeral services will be held at Preddy Funeral Home on Friday, May 13, at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior to the service. Reverend Darvin Satterwhite will officiate. Interment at Maplewood Cemetery is private.
Share On: