Mr. William Eugene Rodgers

William Eugene Rodgers, of Knoxville, went to be with the Lord on January 24, 2022. He was 87 years old, born on January 6, 1935, to Zack and Willie Mae Harris Rodgers. He was a faithful member of Foster Chapel Baptist Church. He was employed by Knox County Schools for forty-two years where everyone knew and enjoyed working with him. Retiring both from Knox City and Knox County Schools. He was affectionately known as Mr. Willie, Papaw, Daddy and of course “Bird.” In his spare time, he loved collecting cardboard, constantly filling up his truck with it and other recyclables. He loved working in his garden, fishing, hunting, playing checkers and horseshoes. He loved people and was an avid dog lover. He enjoyed creating and working in his vegetable garden. Not only did he work in the garden, but he was by nature a hard worker. One could say that Mr. Willie was simply the “Best.” He loved his family and life and knew that it was a gift. He never met a stranger and always had a smile on his face that could light up a room with that beautiful twinkle in his eyes. May his legacy, joyful spirit and zest for life live on in all of us.

He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, twin sister Willie Jean Wagoner, Vivian Geraldine Colbert, Sherman Paul Rodgers, Louella Crump; niece, Janice Matthews; several aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws.

Left to remember and cherish all the fond memories; his loving and devoted wife, Roxie V. Rodgers, devoted sons, Gregory (Nanette) Rodgers, and Victor (Yolanda) Rodgers; loving devoted grandson Gregory (Alicia) Rodgers; great-grandson Grady Jean Rodgers, devoted brother, Truman (Gloria) Rodgers; many friends, special nephew Marvin (Tracy) Wagoner, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, several nieces, nephews, and cousins too numerous to name.

The Rodgers family will receive friends Sunday, January 30, 2022 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, at Berry Highland West Chapel, 9913 Sherrill Blvd, Knoxville, TN, with funeral service to follow, at

12:00 PM, with Reverend William Eugene Thomas officiating, Reverend Joseph Tolbert eulogist. The final resting place will be at Berry Highland West Cemetery (Sherrill Blvd close to Brown Squirrel), on Monday, January 31, 2022 at 11:00 AM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BerryHighlandWest.com for the Rodgers family.