Tommy's family moved from Oregon and settled in NWA in the 1970's. It was here that he met his soul mate, Martha "Lynn" Garman, while working at the Bentonville Movie Theater. It was love at first sight, and they were married for 35 years until she passed in 2015. They had 2 children and family was everything to Tommy. He never let a minute pass without doting or bragging on the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He was a proud father to say the least, but he truly relished being a "Pa".
Tommy worked as a package delivery driver at UPS for 33 years. In the latter part of his career, he was nominated to become Union Steward for his center... A commitment he took very seriously.
After his cancer diagnosis forced him into early retirement, he made the most of it. His love for travel and family took him on many adventures all over the West Coast, Gulf Coast, the Caribbean, the shores of Lake Erie and even Honduras.
He was a loyal Dallas Cowboys and Razorbacks fan and never missed an opportunity to proudly sport his latest team cap.
His legacy will be one of unending selflessness. There was never a moment that he didn’t address the needs and wants of his loved ones over of his own. He was always available to help a friend in need. From organizing spectacular events as the PTA President at Bonnie Grimes Elementary, to daily “stand-offs” on the belt at the UPS center, to his endless book of ridiculous yet memorable “Tommy Boy Sayings”; his one-of-a-kind personality and love for life will always be remembered as the qualities that made him a true blessing to all who had the honor and privilege of knowing him.
While he won more battles than he lost with Osteosarcoma, the last one was more than his body could withstand. But Tommy still took on every challenge with determination and grit and showed us all exactly how much of a fighter he really was. In 2019, he was recognized for his fortitude and "supernatural" ability to overcome the odds at the Hope Cancer Resources Gentleman of Distinction Gala.
There will never be another “Tommy – By God – Danger is My Middle Name – Rodgers”. To know him, was to adore him.
Tommy is preceded in death by: both parents; Bobby and Peggy Rodgers; wife, Lynn Rodgers; sister, Caroline Mortimer; and father and mother in law, Carl and Modena Garman.
He is survived by his children; Alicia Benthin (and husband, Michael Benthin) of Rogers, AR and Tyler Rodgers (and wife, Caitlin Rodgers) of Cave Springs, AR; four grandchildren, Collin Benthin, Chase Rassi, Aspen Benthin and Leighton Benthin; his siblings, Bobby Dean Rodgers of Salem, OR, Jim Rodgers of Umatilla, OR, Donny Rodgers of Pea Ridge, AR, Mary Pugh of Salem, OR, Barbara Fields of Bulters, MO, and Ella Ince of Cox City, OK.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his honor may be made to Hope Cancer Resources or Circle of Life Hospice.
A visitation will be held on April 6, 2023 at Rollins Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00pm. A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, April 8th at 2:00pm at Calvary Freewill Baptist Church in Springdale, AR.
