Deacon Harold Rogers

Harold Rogers was born in Forrest City, Arkansas, on March 21, 1949, the sixteenth and youngest child born to the late Albert Rogers and Viola Shackleford Rogers. Harold grew up northeast of Forrest City, across the St. Francis River, where he and his siblings worked together on the family farm. At an early age, he was baptized at New Sardis Missionary Baptist Church in Sand Slough. Harold was educated in the St. Francis County School System. He attended Eldridge Butler Elementary School in Madison, Arkansas, and later graduated from Lincoln High School with the Class of 1967. Harold was a proud veteran who faithfully served his country in the United States Air Force. He entered active duty in October 1967 and completed four years of honorable active military service. During his enlistment, Harold served as a Security Policeman/Security Police Guard, ultimately attaining the rank of Sergeant (SGT). He was assigned to the 4392nd Security Police Squadron, Strategic Air Command (SAC), at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. During his military career, Harold completed Basic Military Training, Security Police training, advanced upgrade training, and Security Police Supervisor training. His military record also reflects approximately one year and six months of foreign and/or sea service. For his honorable service, Harold received military recognition that included the National Defense Service Medal and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal. After completing four years of active duty, he was honorably released from active service on October 15, 1971, and transferred to the United States Air Force Reserve. Upon returning home, Harold met the love of his life, Ms. Doris Green, who became his lifelong companion, helpmate, and friend. Harold and Doris were united in marriage in 1978. Together, they nurtured and raised four children: Nykita “Cass” Rogers, Frank Rogers, Darnell Rogers, and Jazmin Rogers. Harold loved his family deeply. He helped raise his grandsons, Travis and Trae, and somehow every niece and nephew could say they were his favorite. Harold was also known for occasionally telling someone, “You’re fired!”—but nobody ever stayed fired for very long. If Harold knew one of his loved ones was participating in a game, performing in the band, or involved in any other activity, he made every effort to be there. Harold showed up for everybody. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and even enjoyed exploring cemeteries with one of his favorite nieces. Harold’s love and devotion also extended to his Riverside Missionary Baptist Church family, where he faithfully served as a deacon. He was ordained as a deacon at New Sardis Missionary Baptist Church in 1990, under the leadership of Pastor Connie Moore. He was also a dedicated member of the Riverside Choir and the Riverside Male Chorus. Before retiring in 2006, Harold was employed by Halstead (Muller) in Wynne, Arkansas. Outside of work and church, Harold enjoyed fishing, gardening, and traveling. He loved sharing the bounty of his garden with others and was always willing to offer gardening tips and advice. Harold also enjoyed taking his family on cruises and other memorable trips. One of his final trips was to visit the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky, where he had the opportunity to see the life-sized representation of Noah’s Ark. Harold’s life was characterized by his devotion to God, his family, his church, his country, and his community. His presence, humor, generosity, and willingness to simply show up will remain a treasured part of the lives of all who knew and loved him. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Rogers and Viola Shackleford Rogers; his siblings, Clarence Rogers, Napoleon Rogers, Nathaniel Rogers, Albert Rogers Jr., Aaron Rogers, Henry Rogers, Floyd Rogers, James Rogers, Ethel Lee Phipps, Catherine Morgan, Ernestine Sims, Derotha Winfrey, and Ruby Winfrey; and his granddaughter, Kristie Sa’Rolita Rogers. Deacon Harold Rogers leaves to cherish his loving memory his devoted wife, Minister Doris Rogers; his children, Nykita “Cass” Rogers, Frank Rogers, Darnell (Brianna) Rogers, and Jazmin Rogers; six grandchildren, Travis Parker, Trae Parker, Harold Rogers III, Frank Rogers Jr., and Ka’Tavia Rogers; his sisters, Dorothy Phillips of Bellevue, Nebraska, and Ora Scott of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his mother-in-law, Mrs. Hattie B. Green; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives, and friends. He also leaves cherished memories with his Riverside Missionary Baptist Church family, his classmates of the Lincoln High School Class of 1967, and the many people whose lives were blessed by knowing him.

Deacon Harold Rogers

March 21, 1949 - August 28, 2026