Merrell "Buddy" Matthew Rogers

Merrell Matthew Rogers Sr. better known as Buddy, age 87 of Clermont, FL entered eternal rest on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at his home.  Mr. Rogers was born December 8, 1933 in Tampa, FL to the late Thomas and Victoria Cannons Rogers. Buddy is survived by his wife, Margie Rushing Rogers, children:  Debra Glisson and husband, Bobby,  Matthew Rogers Jr., Lloyd Rogers and wife Vickie and Doris Adcock and husband Jimmy, 14 Grandchildren: Shayla, Vanessa, Jamie, Jessica, Bryanna, Seth, Sarah, Hannah, Tracie, Kodie, Jeremy, Brett, Rachel and Jonathan and 24 Great Grandchildren: Haylee, Jonathan, Everly, Mia, Brooke, Olivia, Liam, Jesse, Asher, Sawyer, Mariah, Christian, Grayson, Keegan, Harley, Burk, Graeme, Maeve, Reed, Luke, Judah, Elijah, Micah and Tinnley.  He is also survived by his brother, Robert Melvin Rogers of Seffner, Florida.

Buddy graduated from Brandon High School in 1952. While attending BHS he was 3 years Sr. Honor Society, 3 years a class officer, played 3 years of football, baseball, track, Letterman’s Club and FFA.  Buddy furthered his education at the University of Florida for 2 years where he was also in ROTC.  In January of 1954, Buddy came home from college to marry Margie. He had been studying to become a veterinarian. Instead, he became interested in the wholesale nursery business and helping his brother in his landscaping business, where he spent the next thirty years.  Buddy was a nurseryman, involved in ornamental horticulture and talented in Landscape Design.  Following retirement from that career, was manager and helped develop Parkwood Estates, Plant City, Florida in the sales and construction aspect of development.  He retired in November of 2006.

He also attended Trinity Bible College for 3 years and served in Interim pastoral positions and an active Deacon and Gideon.  He is a member of First Baptist Church of Clermont.

Prior to retirement, Buddy was heavily engaged in the RNC where he served on numerous committees promoting small business initiatives. He received many accolades for his efforts and involvement.

Buddy loved to teach Sunday School and study his Bible, he wanted everyone to come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  He also loved to fish at Lake Louisa and during his last years of blindness heard many fishing stories of his great grandchildren.  He loved spending time with his church friends and family.

Celebration of Life service will be held Wednesday, April 14th at 10:00 a.m. at 356 Bryan Davis Road in Creston, NC 28615.  Buddy will be laid to rest there on the family property at the Heavenly Hideaway Cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted.