Samuel Allen Rogers, 75, of Shelby, NC, loving husband of Anne Taylor Rogers, peacefully went to be with our Lord on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, with his loving family by his side at the home of his daughter.
Born on September 2, 1948, in Woodruff, SC, he was a son of the late Rufus and Frances Stinnett Rogers. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Wanda Rogers Waddell.

Sam's early years were spent in the company of his siblings, Nancy, Tom, Robert, and the late Wanda, where they establisheda bond that would last a lifetime. After graduating from Woodruff High School in 1966 he joined the workforce. In 1968, he enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and served until honorably discharged in 1972.

Sam met the love of his life, Anne, at Woodruff High School, but it was not until his return from the service that they started to date. The two were married August 5, 1972, and made their home for over 40 years in Enoree, SC.

Sam and Anne started their own family in 1978 when their only daughter, Ashley, made her appearance on Father's Day at noon. Sam enjoyed sharing the story that he received calls wishinghim a Happy Half Father's Day. Sam and Ashley treasured it when their special days coincided every few years. It is fitting that the last time it happened was on his final earthly Father's Day.

Sam graduated from Limestone College with a bachelor's degree in business administration and had a rewarding career with the United States Postal Service beginning in November 1972. He started as a substitute city carrier in Woodruff, SC and earned a management promotion after 19 years of dedicated service. In 1992, Sam was appointed postmaster to Joanna, SC, and then transferred to Enoree, SC in 1994 until his brief retirement in 2003. Ever active, he returned to work as a teacher's assistant and bus driver for Woodruff High Schooluntil his actual retirement in 2011.

Sam was heavily involved in his church and in his community. He served as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher, Sunday School Director, Discipleship Training Director, Brotherhood Director, sound technician, camp chaperone, and mission trip volunteer. He was a friend and trusted confidante to the pastors he served. He previously was a member of Enoree First Baptist Church and Woodruff First Baptist Church. He joined Elizabeth Baptist Church when he and Anne relocated to Shelby, NC. He was a Mason and a Shriner, recently receiving his 50-year masonic pin. He served on the Spartanburg County School District 4 Board of Trustees for 23 years.

Nothing brought greater joy than being Papa to Sammy and Lilly. When the grandchildren were around, Papa could be found teaching Sammy to drive his truck in the pasture, racing cars in the floor, playing catch, allowing Lilly to dress him up in makeup and pearls, having a tea party, or babysitting baby dolls.

H. Jackson Brown, Jr. said, "Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you." Sam was a true servant leader, and he lived out these character traits in all that he did making him a well-respected and loved man by his family, church, and community. He held many titles in his life, from postmaster to school board member to deacon and mason, but his favorite roles were being a dedicated and loving husband, father, and papa. He loved nothing more than spending time with his loved ones, and he sacrificed to always provide the best for them.

His memory will be honored and kept alive by his loving wife, Anne Taylor Rogers, his daughter, Ashley Rogers Atchley (Kevin), his grandchildren, Samuel Allen Campbell (fiancée, Makayla White) and Lillian Ella-Statia Atchley, his sister Nancy Rogers Solesbee (Bill), his brothers David Thomas Rogers (Elaine) and Robert Eugene Rogers (Terry), and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

A service to celebrate Sam's life will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 12:00 pm at Elizabeth Baptist Church, located at 301 North Post Road, Shelby, NC with Dr. Richard Varriale and Dr. John Huckaby officiating. The burial will take place at Elizabeth Baptist Church Cemetery with full Masonic and Military Rites. The family will receive friends prior to the service at 11:00 am.

The family would like to thank the team at Summit Place Kings Mountain and Carolina Caring Hospice for the kind and compassionate care you provided to Sam. Our family was blessed to have Brittany Gettys by our side while we sat with Sam in Heaven's waiting room.

Memorials in honor of Sam can be made to : Carolina Caring Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658 or to the Alzheimer's Association, Western Carolina Chapter, 4600 Park Road, Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28209.