Earl Max Rogers

BLUFFTON, SOUTH CAROLINA - On June 26th a proud American hero left us to begin eternal life with his heavenly family and his maker.  Earl Max Rogers was a man of God that loved his family and countless friends.  He served our country with honor during WWII as a paratrooper in the 82nd airborne  505th regiment  and was awarded many metals of recognition for his contributions to include multiple purple hearts, bronze and  silver stars.  He was a survivor of the Normandy invasion and Battle of the Bulge where he spent 21 days behind enemy lines, cut off from allied forces, ingesting only snow to sustain life.  During this time, his family received a telegram that he was missing in action and presumed dead.  A constant prayer vigil was led by his mother that he would be found alive and unharmed.  On the day of his rescue, he was one of only 5 soldiers that were carried out alive by Patton's army.  In total, he made 26 parachute jumps during his service.  Earl was chosen to serve in Eisenhower's honor guard and completed his service after assisting with the release of the concentration camp prisoners.  This final act of service in the concentration camps was the one significant event he would tell you haunted his memory for life.  Earl was married to Ruby Thompson Rogers on June 26th 1948 and the day of his passing marked their 64th wedding anniversary.  His death was the ending of a true love story that many would tell you came straight from the pages of "The Notebook".  Their relationship was based on a close friendship and sincere devotion to one another. Ruby spent countless days and nights over the last 2 years sitting by his bed, caring for him, and ensuring his nursing care was properly managed.   Earl was born on October 18, 1923  in Clyde, North Carolina to Grady Clark Rogers & Grace Haynes Rogers.  He had 3 siblings, Milton, Martha Jane Rogers (Bradbury), and Robert (Bobby) all deceased.  Earl spent almost his entire life in Clyde before moving to Sun City in Bluffton, SC five years ago to be closer to his daughter.  Earl (Poppy) left an impressive legacy with his passing. He and Ruby had 2 children, Timothy Earl Rogers & wife Cathy Sheppard Rogers from Killen, Alabama;  a daughter,  Colleen Rogers Jacques & spouse, Thomas Jacques, currently residing in Bluffton, SC.  Poppy & Ruby had 4 "grand girls"; Erin Rogers Lynn (Robert Lynn), Rhianna Rogers Bacon (Lesley Bacon),  Heather Michelle Jacques of Charlotte, NC  & Haley Madison Jacques of Kennesaw, GA. Emma & Camilla Bacon are his great grand girls. For those that knew him, Earl was a gentle giant, prankster, fabulous story teller, quick witted with a great sense of humor.  He had a smile for everyone he met and never passed up an opportunity to make new acquaintances. His love for the outdoors and gardening was readily apparent at his home on the Clyde "Ponderosa". Without a doubt, Earl has assumed his new position as God's master gardener. A memorial service to celebrate Poppy Earl's life will be held at 11 o'clock Saturday morning, June 30th, at the Hidden Cypress Country Club in Sun City. His friends and colleagues from the Sun City Veteran's Association presided. Grave side services will be held at a later time in the family cemetery in Clyde, NC when the love of his life, Ruby, is ready to make that trip back home with him.  Goodbye to a great man and American hero who will be greatly missed and always remembered.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Low Country in his honor.