Rodgers Barnett Graham

Rodgers Barnett Graham, of Smyrna, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2024, at the age of 85 in Greenville at the ECU Health Center. Born on January 30, 1939, in Missouri, Rodgers's life was one marked by devotion to his family, his country, and his community.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at Marnatha Church on Hwy 101 in Beaufort, with Pastors Richard Derreth and Wes Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at the Wade Family Cemetery in Smyrna. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00PM on Sunday at the Church.

Rodgers is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Bobbie Graham of Smyrna. Together, they built a life filled with love and shared moments. He was a guiding light to his children, son Sammy Graham and his wife Clara of Smyrna, and daughter Lawanna Graham of Smyrna. His legacy continues through his adored granddaughters, Samantha Springle and her husband Davis of Beaufort, and Megan Graham of Smyrna, as well as his cherished great-grandsons, Camden and Charlie Springle. Rodgers also leaves behind his caring sisters, Lawanna Innman of St. Charles, MO, and LaVerne Graham of St. Louis, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Ruth Graham, his sister, June Graham, and brother-in-law, Ricky Leffers.

Rodgers's youthful vigor led him to enlist in the United States Marine Corps at the tender age of 18. After completing boot camp in California, he served at Cherry Point until the age of 21. His military service not only instilled in him a sense of discipline and duty but also taught him the skills of a meat cutter, which would become his lifelong profession. Upon starting his family, Rodgers was employed at the Colonial Store on Front Street in Beaufort, and his career path took him to Big Star, Pak-A-Sak, Piggly Wiggly and retiring from Billy's Grocery Store on Harkers Island, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and hard work.

Active in his faith, Rodgers served as a Deacon at Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church. His commitment to his church community was a testament to his kind and friendly nature. An avid fan of Cardinal Baseball, Rodgers found joy in the thrills of the game, but his interests did not end there. He loved to fish, embracing the tranquility and excitement it brought to his life.

Rodgers's creativity shone brightly, as evidenced by an article in Our State Magazine featuring the gourds he sold. This recognition highlighted his unique ability to turn a simple hobby into something special that could be shared with others.

Those who knew Rodgers will remember him as a man of kindness, friendliness, and creativity. His warm smile and generous spirit touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts of friends and family alike. Rodgers Barnett Graham lived a life that exemplified the values he held dear, and his memory will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.

As we say farewell to Rodgers, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey filled with love, service, and the simple joys that make life beautiful. He will be deeply missed, yet forever remembered as a beacon of light in the lives of those he touched.

The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, and staff at the 5th floor Heart Center and 2nd floor Palliative and Hospice Care at the ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville for taking such good care of Rodgers.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church, PO Box 120, Smyrna, NC 28579.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.