Douglas Ray Rogers, 95, husband of Sarah Rogers and father of Ray, Janet, and Rodney passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, September 3, 2022 with his family by his side. He was born in Dillon County on January 29, 1927, the son of the late Edward Rogers and the late Mary Wiggins Rogers.

Doug was a graduate of Dillon High School where he excelled as a football player and was captain of the team. Following his graduation, Clemson coach Frank Howard offered him the opportunity to play football on the college level. Doug's reply to him was, "I'm joining the Navy with my buddies". At the young age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy with fellow Dillon Natives Kromer Stephens and Kenny Strickland. Doug proudly served his country and participated in the Battle of Okinawa. He later boasted in life that the enemy forces surrendered when they learned that the three Navy Buddies from Dillon County had landed on Okinawa.  Doug was discharged from the Navy in July of 1946 and returned to Marion County to begin a life of service to his fellow man.

His service to his state and community was evidenced by his long tenure as a member of the South Carolina Highway Patrol.  Following his retirement from the patrol, Doug also served Marion County in the position of Magistrate for many honorable years.   He was a man of his word who was constantly sought for his expertise and guidance.   He was a member of the Mullins Fist Baptist Church and the Who-So-Ever-Will Sunday School Class. In his earlier years, Doug enjoyed quail hunting and had quite a reputation as a good boxer.

Doug married Sarah Clark Rogers and for seventy-four years, they have shared everything life can offer-together. They were a great team supporting each other and their family in every way. They followed their children and grandchildren playing sports and enjoyed spending time with them.

He was predeceased by brothers Ed Rogers, Gentry Rogers, Paul Rogers, and Bobby Moody.  Sisters who also went to their heavenly home before Doug were Dot Beniker, Marian Carter, Patricia Dimery, and Betty Sue Moody.

In addition to Sarah, Doug is survived by Douglas Ray Rogers II (Deborah) of Dillon, Janet Rogers McRae (Warren) of Mullins, and Rodney Rogers (Sonya) of Latta. Doug also leaves 6 grandchildren to cherish his memory.  They are Douglas Ray Rogers, III "Tray", Carson Rogers (Taylor), Weston Rogers, Kylee Jenerette, Samuel George, and Joshua George. He is also survived by one great-granddaughter, Piper Jo Jenerette.

A graveside service will be held at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at Greenlawn Cemetery in Dillon with Reverend Robbie Baxley officiating and military honors. The family will receive friends at the cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in his memory to the Mullins First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 433, Mullins, South Carolina 29574 or to the Marion County Animal Shelter, 123 Dog and Cat Court, Mullins, South Carolina 29574.

An online guestbook is available at www.mearesfh.com.

Doug is in the care of Meares Funeral Home of Mullins.