Carl L Rodgers

Carl Leroy Rodgers was born on October 19, 1937, to the late Early Davis and Helen Brown Rodgers, in Scott Haven, PA. He attended Scott Haven Elementary in Scott Haven, PA and Sewickley Township/Westmoreland County, Middle School in Pittsburg, PA. After the death of his mother, his father remarried the late Mary Magdalene Rodgers and relocated the family to Richmond, VA where he attended and graduated from Armstrong High School in Richmond, VA, in 1955. After High School, he moved to New York City with his sister Marian and worked as a Boys Counselor at a summer camp. In 1956, He joined the United States Marine Corp and served his country for three years. He worked for the United States Coast Guard Academy for three years in New London, CT then became employed by the Job Corp in Jersey City, NJ. In 1968, he was transferred to Great Onyx Job Corp in Mammoth Cave, KY as a Recreation Instructor. As an instructor of disadvantaged youth he was responsible for providing recreation activities for the students on and off campus, which lead him to Bowling Green, KY where he met his wife Joan Cosby. Carl attended Western Kentucky University majoring in Photography and Recreation. He received an Associates Degree in General Studies (emphasis in Recreation). As a freelance photographer he always enjoyed making people smile and wanted to learn how to improve his craft. Prior to attending Western he attended the Professional Photographer of America in Chicago, IL. Carl’s photography hobby eventually turned into a business, Rodgers Photography. In the early 70’s Carl was one of the few black photographers in this area, which led him to take family photos and weddings in Bowling Green, Glasgow, Horse Cave and Scottsville and meet a lot of wonderful people. He also received a Masters and Doctorate of Divinity Degree from the Great Commission Theological Seminary, Bowling Green. In 1993, Carl retired from the Job Corp with 32 years of service; at that time he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He participated in Relay for Life for 20 years. Carl worked various odd jobs which included an after school instructor for AmeriCorps. In 1998, he received the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award of Valor for extraordinary service on April 16, 1998, the day Bowling Green was struck by a tornado. Along with his family, he traveled to the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort, KY to receive this award. In 1999, with the assistance of Microenterprise, he started his own business, Rodgers Transportation for the Disabled, Inc., and Rodgers Taxi Cab Company. He always loved helping others and transported ill and disabled people. Carl loved to travel with his family, which also included his nieces and nephews. Carl had several other accomplishments and achieved much in his lifetime. An aerial photo won him a trip to Lagos, Nigeria to the 2nd World Black and African Festival of Arts and Crafts. Carl had several photos on exhibit at the Kentucky Museum at Western KY University for Black History Month. As a member of Gideon's International, he was able to distribute Bibles and New Testaments to many, including the troops in Iraq. He completed U.S. Park Rangers Training in Grand Canyon, AZ, and Citizen’s Police Academy in Bowling Green, KY. Recently he joined the Lions Club and the African American Museum Planning Board here in Bowling Green, KY. He was also a member of the Marine Corp League. He taught Sunday School at Third and Park Church of Christ for many years and was a member of Lost River Church of Christ. Carl was married to the late Joan Rodgers, for 37 years. Survivors include three children, Dwight (Angela) Rodgers, and Carla (James) Brown of Bowling Green and Kelvin Smith of Tappahannock, VA. Eight grandchildren, Chasity, DeSean, Terry, LaTrice, Jalen, Anyzha, Austin and Travis Mann (now deceased); seven great grandchildren, Amya, Mirauge, Jada, Monty, Sofia, Izayden and Kyra. A sister Alice Irene Thomas; brother in laws, Robert (Geneva) Cosby, Charles (Peggy) Cosby; sister in laws, Louise Cosby, Waldean Pratt, Charlene (James) Gamble and Evelyn Cosby. Many nieces, nephews, cousins. A special friend Marian “Sarge” Davis and Godchildren, Joe (Staci) Lightfoot, Sadie Gambrel and Mayo Makinde. Those gone before him brothers and sisters, Clarence Rodgers, Joe Rodgers, Marian Brown and Geraldine Willis. Sincerely, -Your friends at Burnam and Son

Carl L Rodgers

October 19, 1937 - August 15, 2013

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Carl L Rodgers

October 19, 1937 - August 15, 2013

365 Days of Grief Support

Explore

About Us

Grief & Healing

What We Do

Obituaries

Plan Ahead

Resources

Contact Info