Robert Lee Rogers

Robert Lee Rogers passed away on June 15, 2018, at the age of 95.  Bob, also known as “Poppi” to his family, was born in South Carolina to William John Rogers of Salem, SC, and Sarah Jane Rogers of Johnson City, TN. Bob grew up the youngest of four children: John, Lila, and Walt.

At age 19, Bob enlisted in the Navy at the start of WWII.  He was assigned to a submarine, the USS Peto SS 265, operating out of Brisbane, Australia.  He was honored to serve his country via Submarine War Patrols in the Pacific.  During WWII, Bob met his mentor, John F. Laboon, Communications Officer, Gunnery and Torpedo Officer, and Executive Officer.  Laboon was like a big brother to Bob as they served numerous war patrols together.  Bob spoke fondly of his mentor for the rest of his life. Laboon became a Catholic priest, known as Father Jake, and later, the US Navy’s Chaplain.

Upon leaving the Navy in December 1947, Bob attended Furman University and received a Juris Doctorate from The University of South Carolina.  It was there that Bob discovered his life-long passion for the game of golf.  He worked for the Veteran’s Administration throughout his career. 

In 1965 he married Betty Haywood, of Greenville, and they had two children, Rae and Hagen.  His priorities in life included his love and contributions for his family, his country, and sports, especially golf.

Bob remained an avid golfer, a scratch golfer in fact, and was known as “Goldie” and “Racecar” in his golf circles at the Greenville Country Club.  In the 1970s, he was involved in a partnership that developed Haywood Mall, land that his wife Betty inherited from her parents. 

  Bob is predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Betty, as well as his siblings.  He is survived by his daughter Rae Sobocinski and son Hagen Rogers (and wife Satu); and seven grandchildren: Chas (and wife Claire), Haywood, and Sterling Duke, Bella and Lexie Sobocinski, and Sylvie and Leo Rogers. 

As a youth Bob was baptized in a river in Oconee County and then as an adult reaffirmed his faith at a Billy Graham Crusade.  Perhaps the most memorable day in Bob’s spiritual life was when he confessed his faith in Jesus Christ in December 2013, at the age of 90, to Pastor Don Wilton of First Baptist Spartanburg. From that day on, his life had new meaning, and he would constantly share proudly that “Jesus is my co-partner.”  In his final years, Bob became reacquainted with the late Rev. Billy Graham, reading many of Graham’s books and watching Wednesday evenings when repeat Billy Graham Crusade episodes aired.

Funeral services for Bob will be on Tuesday June 19th at Woodlawn Memorial Park at 10am followed by a celebration service of Bob’s life at the Greenville Country Club in the Smyth Room at 11am.  Family and friends are welcome to both.