William Melvin Rogers

Posted April 12, 2017

Rogers, William Melvin
January 14, 1943- April 12, 2017
William (“Bill”) Melvin Rogers Sr., 74, peacefully passed away in his home with his wife and children by his side after losing a long courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Bill was born January 14, 1943 in Charlotte, North Carolina to Curt L. Rogers Sr. and Elizabeth Davis, both of whom predeceased him. He was raised in Charlotte. He graduated from East Mecklenburg High school then went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While attending UNC he became a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and a lifelong avid fan of Tar Heel Basketball. Throughout his life he did not miss watching more than 5 games total. He was Tar Heel born and bred, a dedicated disciple of Dean Smith. After undergrad and during his studies at UNC Law School he took an opportunity on a business venture with some buddies over in Spain and traded in the law books for the European furniture business and out of that experience his entrepreneurial spirits grew. In the years to follow Bill explored his love of the culinary world, interesting people, and antiques by opening several successful restaurants. Clawson’s Emporium Restaurant that is still running strong in Historic Beaufort, NC and WG Fowler’s in Historic Wilmington, NC. He thrived on great food, good company and a little bit of controversy for desert! Bill was also an incredible artist and painter that loved to capture wildlife and the human condition in his projects. He loved building and restoring homes from the mountains to the beaches. A true renaissance man of his time. He also loved traveling at home and abroad with the love of his life, his wife Robin. Bill believed with all his heart, and he had an enormous one, that family is the absolute most important thing in life and he was blessed with many loved ones and dear friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Robin Page Rogers; his son William Melvin Rogers, Jr and wife Ann Yancy Rogers and their daughters, Grayce and Claudia; his son Joshua Daniel Rogers; his daughter Ashley Rogers Anz and husband Adrian Van Anz and their daughter’s Sadie-Grace and Peyton; His stepdaughter Jessica Ann Smith and her daughter Hadley and son Walker; his stepdaughter Melissa Rovnak Jackson; his sisters Connie Maccubbin and Betty Lee McKee; his late brother Curt L. Rogers Jr and his wife Alice; and many more relatives from a huge family tree. Bill lived his life on his own terms and to the fullest. He treated people kindly and never lost his incredible sense of humor. He had no regrets in life. He always drove a fancy car, left no oyster unopened and always found a bargain! One of his favorite lines was “Handle it Roy, handle it” and he did. There will be a private celebration with friends and family in the near future to be disclosed. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to pancan.org/donate.

ARRANGEMENTS BY TRI-COUNTY CREMATION CENTER, 11000 DORCHESTER ROAD, SUMMERVILLE, SC (843) 821-4888