Robert Evans Rogers

Robert Evans Rogers, Sr., of Rock Hill was born April 16, 1944.  He went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, July 13, 2024.  Bob, as most knew him, was born in Omaha, Nebraska.  He lived in Brainerd and Anoka, Minnesota, and Nashville, Tennessee as a child.  Bob felt called to ministry when he was seventeen.  He attended Belmont College and Wesley Theological Seminary.  Bob married his wife Brenda, who faithfully served alongside him as a “pastor’s wife” in the United Methodist Church and then the Free Methodist Church. They worked as a loving team, especially as they ministered to their congregations, other pastors, and their families. He served as a pastor for 34 years; five of those years as a superintendent of pastors in the Maryland-Virginia conference.

Bob's love for his family was unwavering. He prayed faithfully for each member, showing his deep care and concern. As a husband, his love for Brenda was evident in every action, and they were truly each other’s best friend.  As a father, he was a patient listener and a source of encouragement for his children. His life was a testament to his faith, and his children are forever grateful for the truth he instilled in them. His sense of humor and zest for life were always a source of joy for his family.

Bob cared about others.  Even in his final days battling cancer, he was still praying and concerned for others.  He “saw” everyone and took time to listen and care.  He lived out what he believed: to love God and others.

Bob was not just a man of faith, but also a man of knowledge. His love for reading was evident in his vast collection of books, especially those by other pastors.  His interest in history drove his book selections, and he also enjoyed learning from biographies. Books were a significant part of his life.

Bob was an excellent communicator.  Preaching messages that anyone could understand and apply to their own lives blessed many. A consistent theme in his sermons was the brevity of life and living each day as if it could be your last (James 4:13-17). He reached untold others through his writings published in Christian magazines.

Most importantly, Bob would tell you that none of his earthly accomplishments matter anymore.  Of course, the positive difference he made in others will continue through those still living, but his relationship with Christ while here on earth matters for all eternity.  Proverbs 3:5-6 served as a guide in his life.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Even as Bob endured cancer at the end of his life, he still firmly believed in Romans 8:28-39 that God can bring good out of anything and nothing can defeat us when we belong to Christ.

Bob is survived by his wife, Brenda Rogers; son, Robert Rogers, Jr. (wife, Michelle) and Andrea Davis (husband, Scott); and grandchildren, Ethan, Kaylee, Jenna, Kate, Emma, and Lily.  He is also survived by Raymond and Judi Edmonds, who became a dear part of his family many years ago.

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