Rodney Gene Rogers

Rodney Rogers, age 57, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, entered his heavenly home on February 3,

2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Rodney’s life was a living testimony of hope, joy,

generosity, and a love so abundant it wrapped itself around everyone he met.

Rodney was born on May 26, 1968, in Tupelo, Mississippi. From the beginning, he carried

something unmistakable. A warmth that disarmed. A laugh that invited. A spirit that made

strangers feel like family. He graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1986 and answered

what would become a familiar call in his life. A call to serve something greater than himself. This

time, that call was his country, and he stepped forward proudly to serve in the United States

Army. It was in this chapter of obedience and growth that God brought Deana into his life.

Together, they shared a love marked by a depth that cannot be explained, only witnessed.

For more than 37 years, they built a life anchored in God, laughter, shared purpose, and

unwavering devotion. Their marriage was not only a partnership but a ministry, a safe place, and

a reflection of Christ’s love lived out daily.

On February 17, 1990, their son, Joshua Kye Rogers, was born, and Rodney stepped fully into

the role he was born to carry. He was a natural father, protective and playful, wise and patient,

deeply proud and fiercely loving. He did not just raise a son. He raised a man.

Rodney later pursued higher education, earning a business degree from Williams Baptist

University, followed by a Master of Divinity from Liberty University.

Rodney was a builder in every sense of the word. He opened and operated several successful

restaurants, including Wings to Go, Whole Hog, and Wild Hog BBQ.

Yet these were never merely businesses to him. Rodney understood that food was a language

of care, and he spoke it fluently, using it to gather people, to listen, and to love.

Rodney believed leadership meant sacrifice. He believed that taking care of people mattered

more than taking care of himself. He understood that as a leader and employer, he was

responsible for the lives and livelihoods entrusted to him. Many were steadied, sustained, and

changed because Rodney quietly stepped in, stood firm, and made sure no one was left to

stand alone. But Rodney’s greatest calling was never tied to a title. It was tied to obedience.

In 2009, Rodney answered God’s call into ministry. As a pastor, he never missed an opportunity

to witness, to pray, or to speak truth wrapped in love. Whether standing behind a pulpit, sitting

across a table, praying in a hospital room, or witnessing to a group of strangers, Rodney lived

the gospel out loud. He was a faithful servant, a shepherd to many, and a man on fire for Jesus.

Rodney loved life fully. He loved cycling and running, pushing his body with determination and

grit, not to conquer it, but to honor the strength he had been given.

He loved cooking, entertaining, and opening his home and table to others, turning ordinary

moments into celebrations and simple gatherings into lasting memories. He never met a

stranger. To be welcomed by Rodney was to feel immediately at home, to laugh easily, to stay

longer than planned, and to leave fuller than when you arrived.

Rodney loved music deeply. When he sang, it was not simply heard; it was felt, as if heaven

briefly brushed against the room.

He spoke hope and lived it intentionally. Even in the darkest days of illness, he refused to

surrender joy or faith. He was resilient, determined, and unwavering. A true Ironman to the very

end. He crossed the finish line victorious in Christ.

Those who loved him know without question that as he passed from this life into eternity,

heaven was not quiet. He was welcomed home with the words he lived for. “Well done, good

and faithful servant.” The words did not whisper. They boomed.

Rodney is survived by his beloved wife, Deana Rogers; his son, Joshua Rogers; and his

daughter-in-law, Sophie Rogers. He is also survived by his father, JR Rogers; his stepmother,

Joann Rogers; his stepbrother, Noah Moody; his mother, Wanda Smith; his sister, Amber

Vardeman; along with countless friends, church family, and loved ones who were claimed as his

own.

Rodney leaves behind a legacy that cannot be contained on a page. He showed us how to love

without conditions, how to live with purpose, how to suffer with faith firmly intact, and how to

hope intentionally. To know Rodney was to be changed by him.

Now he rests in the arms of Christ, whole, healed, and free. Singing praises with the same voice

that once lifted hearts on earth.

His race was well run.

His faith was unshakeable.

His love will echo through generations.

And the world is better because he was here.

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Visitation will be held Sunday, February 8th, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, with the memorial service

beginning at 2:00 pm at Emerson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests

donations be made to St. Jude’s or the American Cancer Society.