Judge Roy Edward Rodgers, 70, died at his home in McGehee, AR, surrounded by his family, on Friday, October 28, 2016. Roy was born on April 10, 1946, in East St. Louis, IL, to Hudson and Bertha Rodgers. He has six siblings, Bill Rodgers, Don Rodgers, Betty Christmas, Dr. Charles Rodgers, the late Tommy Rodgers, and Jim Rodgers. Roy was married to Mary Rodgers on 2001.
Roy was well known for his ability to connect with people through his affection and affinity for story-telling. Roy lived a life of love, joy, influence, and hard work. He loved South Arkansas and its natural beauty. His laugh was infectious and if you ever met him you remembered him forever.
Roy had been the Desha County Judge since 2012, a position for which he had great passion, and took pride in helping the people of his county. Prior to that, Roy spent nearly 30-years at Potlatch Corporation, working his way up from mechanic to Sr. Group Leader. He worked for Brown & Root in the construction and maintenance of the Weyerhaeuser paper mill in Valiant, OK, from 1969-77.
Roy participated in numerous civic and charitable organizations. He became a Mason in 1971, and was past-Master at Lodge 301 in Valiant, OK. He was a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner. Roy was active in the McGehee Men’s Club. In addition, he was active in professional maintenance organizations during his paper mill career.
He was also involved in several Arkansas Judges Associations.
He loved his hunting club, Crossett Camp on Big Island, for which he spent 30+ years as a member, where he also served as President of both the camp and the Big Island Association.
Roy is survived by his loving wife Mary, his children Robbin Rodgers (Casey), Becky Selby (Thad), Justin Matheny (Cara), Peyton Turner (Kip), and eight grandkids: Carson, Jake, and Rhett Matheny; Scarlett, Adriene, and Hudson Rodgers; & Avery and Allen Selby. He is also survived by father & mother-in-law, Ed & Betty Murphy, brothers & sisters-in-law Mike and Ginny Murphy and Brenda & Jimmy Marshall, in addition to many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will held at Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Home in McGehee, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Sunday, October 30. Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church, in McGehee, at 1:00 pm on Monday, October 31, 2016 with Rev. Reggie Russell and Dr. Ed Balducci officiating. Interment will follow at McGehee Cemetery.
The family requests memorials be made to the Boys and Girls Club, PO Box 495; or the First United Methodist Church, PO Box 467. Both of McGehee, AR, 71654.