WILLIAM VERNON "BILL" ROGERS
Aug. 24, 1927-Jan. 24, 2016
William Vernon "Bill" Rogers, 88, Raleigh, N.C., died Jan. 24, 2016, at Hillcrest Raleigh.
He was born in Clarkton, N.C., Aug. 24, 1927, the son of the late Finley K. and Marie McCallum Rogers.
He was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcasting and dramatic arts, and a graduate of East Carolina University, receiving his Master of Arts degree in education.
He was a television broadcasting pioneer in the south, beginning his career in 1952 at WFMY-TV in Greensboro, with service along the way at WBTV in Charlotte, WRBL-TV in Columbus, GA, WFMD-TV (now WECT) and WWAY-TV in Wilmington, WRAL-TV in Raleigh and WITN-TV in Washington, N.C.
After his career in television, he worked as the public information officer at Wayne Community College and manager for Cox Cable Co. in Goldsboro, N.C.
He was also very fond of the theater, and played several roles as a Carolina Playmaker at the University of North Carolina, as well as on the Thalian Hall Stage in Wilmington.
He was a World War II veteran (United States Army).
In retirement, he enjoyed living a quiet life at Holden Beach, pursuing his favorite pastimes of reading and being with family.
He is survived by his former wife, Peggy T. Rogers of Winston-Salem; brother, Charles H. Rogers of Raleigh; daughter, Debbie Laney, and son-in-law, Mike of Raleigh; daughter, Katrina "Kathy" Rogers, and son-in-law, Lyle Hinks, of Sacramento, Calif.; six grandchildren, Kristen Laney (Keith Williams), Rebecca Hall (Gammon), Catherine and Elizabeth Laney, Jasper Jancik (Marivi) and Elisha Jancik (Lyndie); seven great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Flo and Jean Rogers; brother-in-law, David Benfield; and many loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Anna Benfield; brothers, Julian and Fred Rogers; former wife and mother of his children, Jean Kluttz Rogers; and great-granddaughter, Catherine Jancik.
The family will receive friends at the home of Mike and Debbie Laney in Raleigh Friday, Feb. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, Feb. 20, at 12:30 p.m. at Clarkton Cemetery in Clarkton, N.C.
Condolences may be sent through brownwynne.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on February 14, 2016 10:00 AM