Willie James Rogers, Sr.

Willie James West Rogers was born in Macon County on April 7, 1950, to the late Annie Maude West Larry and Junior Rogers From a young age, Willie carried a strong work ethic, a determined spirit, and a deep love for his family that would define his life.

Willie was educated in the Macon County School System. After leaving high school, he pursued a career that he grew to love—over-the-road trucking for over 50 years. With dedication and resilience, he eventually became a partner with his son and daughter as they established Sparky’s Trucking LLC, which was in memory of his late son Desmond (Sparky) Rogers. a testament to his hard work and commitment to achieving his goals.

Willie was a man of deep faith. He served faithfully as a Deacon at the Church of God by Faith in Byron, Georgia, where he dedicated his time, support, and service to the ministry and his church family. He also attended St. Paul Baptist Church in Marshallville, Georgia.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, brothers, Johnny Clark and Eddie Wade; grandmother, Lillian Grant; uncle, Marvin Grant; and aunt, Georgia Mae Barnes.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Gloria Jean Rogers; daughters: Tawanna, Cassandra (Bernard), Sammi (Kim), Christi, Shanika, and Shondria; sons, Willie Jr., Stephon, and Spencer (Tasha). He also embraced and deeply loved his bonus children: Janesa, Jabari, Terrance, Natasha, Orenthal, and Natoya.

He is remembered with love by his sisters-in-law: Barbara, Lizzie, Catherine, Josie (Keith), Yvonne, Dorothy (James), Charlene (Milton), Myrtice (Willie), Dorothy, and Eva; and brother-in-law, Eddie James Burke.

His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Keylander, Ashley, Kiana, Sky, Cashlin, Lauryn, London, Chris, Jacques, Lajian, Da’Angelo, Michandra, Ashanti, Kewana, Kim Jr., D’Nautica, Kyia, ReRe, Jaleah, and Kennedy; and his great-grandchildren: Ava, Keshawn, Carter, Ryleigh, Ryan, Lathan, and Liam; God-daughter, Zoeria.

Willie also shared a lifelong and devoted friendship with his best friend, Jason Compton, and is remembered fondly by a host of relatives and friends.

Willie James West Rogers lived a life defined by strength, perseverance, and love. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.