LINWOOD EARL RODGERS
Nov. 23, 1935-Feb. 6, 2013
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Mr. Linwood Earl Rodgers, recently of Atlanta, Ga., passed Feb. 6, 2013.
Linwood was born Nov. 23, 1935, in Goldsboro to the late Edward and Helen D. Rodgers. He was called to his heavenly home Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, at the age of 77.
Linwood graduated from Central High School in 1953. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from North Carolina A&T in Greensboro in 1957.
He was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the North Carolina A&T Air Force Reserve Officer Training program Jan. 3, 1958.
Linwood served in the Air Force for more than 20 years and retired in January 1978 as a lieutenant colonel.
Linwood transitioned into a Civil Service career at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. He retired from Civil service Dec. 31, 1999.
Linwood professed Christ, and was baptized at an early age. He joined Atkinson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Goldsboro, and considered Atkinson his home church.
Linwood was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle and just all around good man and friend. He was a true role model to all. He exemplified the meaning of manhood, uplift, scholarship and perseverance.
He was a God-fearing man, who believed in taking care of family, being a good protector and provider, always taking care of the women in your family, treating women with respect and giving back to the less fortunate as well as the community.
He served his community through a variety of service organizations wherever he lived.
Although we mourn his loss, we gain strength in knowing he is pain-free and with our father in heaven.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Laura Etta Rodgers; three children, Linda M. Rodgers, Linette H. Rodgers and Leonard E. Rodgers (Jimonique); two grandchildren, Courtney and Cymone; two great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Cameron; a sister, Clynethia Smith (William); sisters-in-law, Dorothy Rodgers and Priscilla Graham; brothers-in-law: Warren Barnes, Herman Graham and David Graham; an uncle, Earl Rodgers; and a host of relatives and friends who loved him dearly.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Atkinson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 623 S. Oak Forest Road, Goldsboro, with the Rev. Charles E. Franklin, pastor, officiating. Retired Lt. Col. Linwood Eugene Rodgers will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.
Viewing will begin at the church at 10 a.m.
Floral arrangements are welcome, but you can make donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.msgive.org/linwoodrodgers, or add a note inside an envelope that states on behalf of Linwood Rodgers and send donations to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Donor Services Center, P.O. Box 4444, Pittsfield, Mass., 01202-4444.
Family will received friends at the home of Warren Barnes, 1341 Tommy's Road, Goldsboro.
Services are being provided by Hamilton Funeral Chapel.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on February 15, 2013 1:48 PM