Ill never forget Roger.  To me he was a gung ho Marine.  Always enjoyed the stories he told while he was in the Corps.

I know the stories have continued up there in Heaven.

Miss you Brother.  Save a seat for me up there.

Semper Fi,

Your old friend, Bob Daniels

I have many fond memories of Roger.    He loved his family and his friends and would do anything he could for all of them.  He also loved telling his favorite stories!  One of his stories was about his mother talking to him and my late husband Stan Puckett.  Roger and Stan were big buddies growing up and even worked together some after they were grown with the Georgia Department of Corrections.     Rogers’s mother said she always knew that he and Stan would be in jail one day but she never in her wildest dreams would have believed that they would have the keys to it!  I am truly blessed to have known Roger and his family and he is truly missed especially by me. 

To the Stembridge family; as a Macon teenager during Officer Stembridge’s time as a beat cop. I want you to know that although he was at times stern with us , he was also very fair, more than once he would send us home with the understanding that if he caught us out again that night we would be a guest of the city. We all liked and respected Roger very much. Not long before his passing I ran into him at a local restaurant, and approached him asking if he used to be a policeman, he of course said yes , I then introduced myself , shook his hand, and thanked him for being the good policeman he was and for looking out for us teenagers like he did. There he stood ole tough Roger Stembridge with a tear in his eye appreciating the fact that he was so well remembered. So I say thank you again Rodger Stembridge for your service to America, and to Macon as one of its finest. Ben Bolton

Dear Andrea,
My sweet and long-time friend. I’m only now discovering this sad news. My true and heartfelt condolences to you. 
I remember the very first time I met your Daddy. It was the summer before our junior year at de Sales and I came over to visit you. He asked what I was doing after graduation and I told him I was joining the Navy. Boy, it was on from that day!!! “Swabby post,”and, “Deck ape,” and, “Now hear this”, all became terms of endearment to me. He eased off only mildly when he found out I became a Navy Corpsman, the only other military brethren accepted into the Marine fold. Then he called me, “Doc.” I knew I had made good with him with that. ☺️ He is remembered fondly and always will be. 
I send you thoughts of peace and love.
 - Jo Anna. 



Emma, this is Kathy from the Friday afternoon pizzeria (after Roger and crew got finished at the courthouse a few years ago). I loved it when you could join them too! 
I had wanted to respond to you earlier but my husband, Marshall  was critically ill at Emory  at the time. He passed away Nov. 8th. We will have his service at Ft Sam Houston National Cemetery at a later date. You may reach me at ksmithlemon@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you. Love, Kathy

I just found out of Rogers Passing.  My condolences, I knew him on the Field in the 60s and most recently at the Association Reunions.  Rest In Peace.   SEMPER FI

Roger was a very good brother Veteran and a credit to any position he held in life.  He will be missed by all who knew him..May God bless you and keep you.  Mike Lewis

Your loved one Stembridge  stood out in a crowd.  He was a special man, kind, thoughtful and gave one hundred percent to each task he chose.  He was a pleasure to work with.  After retiring I ran into him one day.  We chatted and laughed about old times, he teased me about the day I was working the radio and he was in a high speed chase.  Well, guess what?  Stembridge won the chase and got his man!  I know he won in life as well and it was my pleasure knowing such a caring law enforcement officer.  

Just the few times I met Roger  - Walton - while visiting his sister, Taffy, I was very impressed with what a fun-loving,  adventurous spirit he had; he was a very charismatic,  gentle person with some great stories to tell.
Knowing he us no longer with us is very sad. 
RIP dear Walton. We will all miss you!
God bless the family as they mourn the loss of husband, father, brother and uncle. 

Roger was my official welcoming party when I moved to Macon.  He and Emma always welcomed me in their home and ensured that I was well nourished.  He was an outstandingly generous in caring for those in his encompassing circle of love.  The US Marines were better because of him.  My loving sympathies to Emma and all of Roger’s many friends.

Emma,
Our hearts are broken and we will miss sweet Roger's laughter so much. He was always teasing and joking, but we knew he was serious when he said he would do anything for others.  He was kind and caring and had such a generous spirit. May you find peace in your memories of this great man!
Love, Del & Angie (and Austin)

Roger was a friend of my dad's from childhood and a good friend of my family my whole life.  Everything that everyone else said in the previous comments is so true of Roger. He was a gentle, caring, funny, smart man with a story for every situation and an unmistakable voice to tell it with. He was a lot of fun to be around, and he managed to care about everyone in my family and treat us all so warmly. He was one of the few people that knew my daddy's heart, and I will never forget him.  I know he would be proud to guard the streets of heaven.

It's bad when bad news travels so fast.   I haven't seen Roger since moving to Florida, but we were brothers connected by Vietnam.  Emma, I was so sorry to hear, and I hope you know my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.  May God Bless.

It is with great sadness to hear of Roger's passing. How can that be....He was a "larger than life" man. He conquered so many trials, and yet he was such an a gentle man.  We enjoyed so many pot luck Sunday dinners at their home.  Great food and lots of stories. There were Easter Egg hunts on their lawn, Game nights and Christmas gatherings to support Toys for Tots.  Always thinking of how to serve others.  He will be missed by so many people.   Emma has stood by his side with her love so strong you could feel. I know that Roger is in Heaven with all his Vets, Police, Friends and Family.

So many “Roger” memories come to mind. He was truly one of a kind. Such a kind, genuine, and funny man. Macon PD in the 1970s, working with Roger in the radio room...great times, great memories. RIP, my sweet friend. Love, Swivel Hips

Andrea, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I never met him, but I felt I knew him through our times together while you were my student assistant at Macon College. It was evident that you loved your dad, and I know that you will miss him.

So so sorry of the passing of a fellow Marin Corps Brother.  Didn’t spend a lot of time with Roger.  But he and Emma stayed wth us in Florida one weekend.  And a couple Viet Nam reunions.  Roger was such a fun guy to be with.  Enjoyed the stories he would tell about his experiences as a Marine Drill Instructor.  It was amazing all the different things he did throughout his life.  I’m sure he is going to be missed by lots of folks.  Rest In Peace My Brother.  Semper Fidelis and OooooooRah.  Hopefully one day I’ll join you in heaven and we will have a super party. 

Emma, my heart broke when I heard of Rogers passing. I remember the stories he and Jimmy laughed about from the police force. We are so glad we moved back to the area and had this time with you and Roger. May God bless you and your family during this time of loss. 

Roger was a friend that help form you to be a better person.  Since  1962, Mrs. Stembridge, Roger, @  Katherine (Taffy)  have been a big part of my life.  As a cadet at GMC ,  Roger helped me .  There are so many   stories I could tell.   He helped save my life. ! It hurt to find that he is gone, but blessed that I will see him again.  I went to blue light vigil , praying for Roger and Emma @ family.  I am here if you need me as Roger would  do.  Fellow Vet  @ friend for life! Karl Hieber Jr,   Hoot!  @ or Radar  from Mash

I will miss your smiling face when we're together at the VVA stage Council meeting. May the Lord find a special place for you in heaven.

We have lost a true friend to us all.  May God bless and be with Roger’s family.  

What a great man. I would often call him to read the " riot act" ( like only he could) to a young man heading in the wrong direction.  To watch a 15 year old street wise tough guy melt into tears with the brim of Sgt's hat touching their forehead was to witness a pure work of art. He was loved by many. R.I.P.

Roger was a wonderful man in so many ways! I will always remember him fondly as a person, a fellow police office and a kind and gracious man. Emma let me know if you need my help!
Mike Howard

Roger was always proudest of being a Marine Drill Instructor.  At any of our Vietnam Veterans' reunions, somewhere along the line, he would be calling cadence for a few of us going somewhere.  His deep voice will always echo in my memory.  RIP and Semper Fi, MARINE!


I am heart broken and deeply saddened to learn of Roger’s passing. MANY stories come to mind when I think of him and how we interacted on and off the job. He helped me through a difficult time and was always willing to lend his time and experience to younger folks who were eager to learn about law enforcement as a career. Many men and women were taught valuable lessons from him. I can think of only one or two people that I hold in as high esteem as Roger Stembridge. I am honored to have had you a friend. May God Bless you and your family until we meet again.

Anyone who knew Roger will always remember him, his readiness always to help those in need, his tenacious ability to see a long hard search to its end, his care for family Friends and co-workers in need , his dedication and performance in Viet Nam as a US marine, his willingness to help a young P.O. in the field when he was an MPD officer, his willingness to learn the P.O. job and then teach others, his ability to keep on keeping on as a Superior Court Bailiff. Roger put his whole self into whatever he did. With Gods help he beat cancer at least once, and I believe he gave his all in this battle. God knows our hearts and he knows Roger’s and welcomed him into eternal life.
Emma and family please be comforted in his spirit. God bless you all.

I first met Sergeant Stembridge in November 19 90 when I became a Macon police officer he was a good friend and mentor. Roger allowed me and my father Tim James Senior to hunt his property in Baldwin County many years ago. Roger said I don’t trust many people with guns but you and your dad I have trust in Roger allowed us to his property for many years. Also I use to play golf with Roger and have played many rounds with him.  I will miss hearing him say hey fat boy nice shot. Rip my friend. 

I am deeply saddened by the news of your loss. I pray that God will
grant you strength, My most sincere condolences.
RIP...Roger 

W.L. Waiters , BSO retired

I was a wild teenager when officer Stembridge was a policeman in Macon , he always looked out for us , sent us home with stern warnings not to let him catch us out again, we respected him greatly as fair am man as I’ve ever had the pleasure in knowing, he was no nonsense but kind. I ran into him and his sweet wife last year at Cracker Barrel , had not seen him in years but knew immediately who he was , I went over and asked if he was officer Stembridge he said yes but call me Roger , he was truly touched that I remembered him , he will be missed what a good man. 

Roger "Walton" Stembridge,  as we knew each other at Georgia Military College  High School has been one of those people you meet in life and continue to recall with fond memory.  We met at a barbershop in Milledgeville a year or so back. We told our stories about serving in the military and Vietnam, he as a Marine and me as a Navy Corpsman attached to our Marine Corps.  He had the heart of a Marine and I am pleased to have known him as a classmate and brother in arms. Semper Fi, Devil Dog. The streets of Gold now have another Marine to guard that celestial place. 

Roger will be greatly missed by all who came in contact with him -myself and Brother Don worked with Roger on the Macon Police Department-  till we meet again in Heaven My friend.

Roger and I worked together for a long time at the Macon Police Department. He was a kind and caring soul. We would retire at separate times but we would continue to see each other at different times and places. We would share a laugh and reminisce about the ole times at MPD. Emma, so, so sorry for your loss of Roger, Thoughts and Prayers for all of you. RIP my Friend!!

My sweet Emma,
      I am so deeply sorry to hear of Roger’s
passing. If you need anything please don’t hesitate to reach out. I will keep you in my prayers. I love you!
     


SGT Stembridge has been held near and dear to my heart since the first I met him. Granted I was Scared to death because he was called to my house for something I’d done seriously wrong. He took time out of his busy schedule to take a 12 year old to YDC to see where I would have ended up if I continued on the path I was on. I have always remembered him and how he has affected my life. Without him I could have taken a different route in my life. One of drugs and and worse. Our community has lost a great officer and man. I k ow that he is smiling down on us all and leading us all in the right direction as he did in life

Ron and I are heartbroken....that this incredible Godly man and our dear friend, Roger Stembridge, who always had a story to tell, loss his battle with Covid-19.... Ron said "Roger was an angel on earth and now has been promoted and has his wings...".  We are so thankful for his life and how he touched ours. We are also thankful that his precious wife Emma is home recovering as she takes this detour without Roger here on earth. Her strong Faith will serve her well in the days ahead....we love you Emma and will miss Roger always.....

Roger was a good well rounded Lawman , from the days I worked on Bibb County jail he was always fair to people he brought in ,I used to like the way he said hold my shootin iron instead of gun rest in peace my brother.

RIP MY FRIEND....you will be missed by all that knew you. 

I met Sergent Stembridge when he lived at The Massee for a short while. I was the manager there. He was always a gentleman and a great resident. He helped  me as manager one time when I needed some police help and I will never forget how he use to carry lady's bags if they were getting on the elevator with him. There was no arguing with him about that. If you were a lady carrying something, he was going to carry it for you. He talked about the dogs he worked with in the canine unit and told me he always found who they were tracking. May he rest in peace. You cannot know a finer person than the kind of man he was.

Emma, so sorry for your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I worked with Roger on MPD.  He was a good police officer and man.  From one Vietnam Vet to another RIP my brother.  May God grant you Grace and your family peace.

Jim

Roger will make Heaven an even better place!

I saw him and we talked for a few minutes about three months ago telling him my husband had passed away. Gene worked with Roger on the MPD and thought he was a great guy. Now they can get together and talk about “ole times”. You both will be missed. 

I will always cherish the times that I spent working with Roger on the Macon Police Department.  To the family, my prayers are with you .

Emma, 
I am so sorry to hear about Roger.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Roger served as a baliff in State Court of Bibb County for many years. He was always ready to help in any way he could and did it with a wonderful attitude. He also was special to me because while he worked for Snow’s, he was working the night my mother died in 2016 and was such a blessing and comfort to me to look up and see his face and the delicate and careful way he took care of her. Roger will always have a special place in my heart and will be greatly missed!

Roger was a wonderful friend! I always loved his story’s he would tell. He had the biggest heart and never met a stranger.  Roger will be missed. Emma, I’m so sorry for your loss. Love Nancy

I enjoyed working with Roger down at the MPD...He was a great police officer and I would like to say thanks to him and his family for serving our country in the Marines....

I met Roger when i joined Macon PD in 1977. I was 22 years old and never been in the military and he scared me to death. I thought i had joined the USMC, lol. Roger like myself loved law and order and despised evil, how ever he would treat a evil person with respect if they allowed it. I admired Roger and he got me out of  jams waiting on back up more than once, always the first one to me. I never was in the military  but the term once a Marine always a Marine fits Roger perfect! 

I was blessed to have worked with Roger on the Macon Police Department and to have him as a fellow Marine brother. I knew him as firm but fair man and he was very compassionate to everyone he met.  Rest in peace Sir.

Roger served as chair of the board, elder, and lay reader at FCC Macon. We are saddened at the loss of our beloved friend and Christian brother. We  send prayers to Emma, his daughter, and all of his family. 

Emma, we are so terribly sorry for your loss. Roger was a giant of a man, not only in stature, but spirit, as well. We will always cherish our friendship with you both.

Justina & Taylor Moulton

My heart breaks for the  family and friends of one of the most kindest,  free spirited, and respectable  man that I ever knew and  was a true friend to our family and especially my dad. Roger adored my dad and I can just imagine what “fish” tales that they are talking about now. He was a gentleman through and through! His wings flew the same day that my aunt, Leah, spread her wings 3 years ago.  R.I.P. Roger.  Hope you, my dad Foye, and my aunt, Leah have a great time! You will be missed!

Roger was good friend to me when I joined the Macon Police Department in the early 70’s.
He and I were both former Marines so we bonded immediately.
He was a good guy and will be missed.
Guard the streets of Heaven well my friend.

Emma, 
I'm so sorry to hear of Roger's passing.  Know that you and your family are in our prayers.  I remember when you and Roger gave me the fire station for the Christmas village.  You both have such generous hearts for all.  May God bless you Emma at this time with his peace and may Roger rest in peace.
Cathy and Dave Hayden

Roger is a great friend to have.  He brought back many memories I should have had.  I loved being around Roger.  Roger and Emma are great friends for Susie and myself.  I'm sure he is heaven telling God and everyone great stories he was in.  We will miss him a great deal, but we will see him again in heaven.

Roger will surely be missed.  He had a good sense of humor and loved to pick at me.  I can picture him now doing the same to my daughter in Heaven.

Thank you so much for everything you showed  me as a young officer.  The memories that we made will never be forgotten!
Thank you!!!!  You will be missed!!!

Emma, heard of Roger's passing this morning from Gary Lindsey. There are no words for how I feel. It broke my heart. I am so worried about you. If you need anything please call me at 828-496-6278.

Love you,  Mary

Sgt Stembridge, from one marine to another, rest easy marine your duty is done. You are loved and will be missed by all your fellow marines, past, present and future.  RIP sir! Prayers to your family and loved ones. Semper fidelis forever and always.

Roger was a fine man. As a member of the macon bibb county fire dept i trained with him a few times with the dog marshall and water rescue.  A lot of good memories. God bless and watch over  his family at this time.

Roger will be missed. I've known him since 1988. I met him on Macon Police Dept handling bloodhounds.

Macon-Bibb Law Enforcement Foundation

Private Graveside Service

Memorial Service

Roger is survived by his wife, Emma Gonzales Stembridge; daughter, Andrea Murray (Erik); granddaughter, Autumn Murray; sister, Katherine Norris; nephews, Benjamin and Jeffrey Norris.

OBITUARY

Roger Walton Stembridge Jr.

May 11, 1947 – October 13, 2020

Snow's Memorial Chapel

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