Russell Eugene Rogers, Sr., 78, passed away Saturday, September 30, 2017. He was the son of the late Herman and Kathryn Brown Rogers.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Fletcher Rogers; children, Russell Eugene Rogers, Jr. (Mary Catherine), Kathryn Teresa Rogers and Mary Elise Rogers Garrett; sister, Diane Dantzler; grandchildren, Emily, William, and Jonathan Rogers, Kathryn Elise and Ian Mac Garrett.

Mr. Rogers was scout master of Troupe #108 in Ft. Mills, SC and active at the Center Community Center in Grapevine. Gene was deeply involved with every community in which he lived. He was a lifelong scout leader and volunteer, earning the Silver Beaver, the organization’s highest honor as a volunteer. He was the scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 108 in Fort Mill, South Carolina, for nearly two decades, as well as many other Boy Scout troops and Explore posts. He led many scouting groups on high adventure canoe and backpacking trips to faraway places like Canada and New Mexico. He served on the board for local the Boy Scout troop at the United Methodist Church of Mars Hill until his passing.

Gene and his wife Linda settled in an old house on Fisher Branch after their retirement in 1996. He was instrumental in planning, obtaining grants and organizing the construction of the Center Community Center. The center provides services for the entire Grapevine community, from after school programs for the community’s youth to meals and physical health programs for its seniors. He was a founding member of the Barn Alliance, a group that seeks to preserve historic barns throughout Madison County.

Gene was a great supporter of local agriculture. It was not uncommon to see his car parked beside the road lending a helping hand to the farmers as they planted their crops. Gene loved the outdoors and especially the mountains of Madison County where he called home.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm Thursday, October 5, 2017 at Mars Hill United Methodist Church. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm with Rev. Wiley Cooper officiating
In lieu of flowers please send donations to: Center Community Center, 1300 Grapevine Road
Marshall, North Carolina 28753.
Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org