Ronald William Rogers
November 25, 1931 ~ March 1, 2014
Resided in:
Leicester, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Ronald William Rogers, 82, died peacefully on Saturday, March 1, 2014.
A native and life-long resident of Buncombe County, he was the son of the late Conley William Rogers and Maude Gillespie Rogers. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 32 years, Helen Penland Rogers, who died in 1988. He is the father of Connie Rogers-Newcome and husband Dr. Thomas L. Newcome, II; and a brother of, Robert Owen Rogers and his wife, Iris Avonne Rogers of Rutledge, TN. He has several nieces and nephews.
Ronald attended Western Carolina University (1949-1953) where he was an NAIA Helms Athletic Foundation All American selection. He was honored with that distinction and was the first NAIA player to be recognized three times. He averaged better than 20 points per game for his career and held all of the school's major scoring records for more than 20 years. His 44 points in a 1953 game was a record for 23 seasons. He also broke the North State Conference scoring records for game, season and career. He ranks third on Western's career scoring list with 1, 960 points. He was the first Western Carolina basketball player to have his jersey and number (#15) retired in the Ramsey Center. He was a charter member of the Western Carolina University's Athletic Hall of Fame having been inducted in 1990.
In 1989, Ronald was inducted into the Western North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Leicester Hall of Fame in 2011. An accomplished all around athlete Ronald played for the Ecusta Industrial League Baseball Team where he was batting champion with a .468 average.
In 1953, Ronald served in the Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged as Specialist 3rd Class. He also played basketball and baseball for the Army's Signal Core #181 Unit. He was decorated with the Army's National Defense Service Medal.
Ronald was a charter member of the Leicester Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a founding member of the Erwin Youth Basketball League in 1972. He was a member of the Democrat Men's Club and a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Leicester. In 1989 Ronald retired from BASF (formerly American Enka Company) after 36 years of service.
The family will receive friends from 2:00-5:00 pm Sunday, March 9, 2014 at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue. A service of remembrance will be held at 5:00 pm, immediately following the visitation, with Rev. Vic Wilfong officiating. A service of committal will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, March 10, 2014 at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain. Honorary pallbearers will be Derrick Rogers, Keith Gossett, Terry Gossett, Ronnie Sluder, Belvin Hall, Bill Penland, Sam Smathers and Alvin Hutchinson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 876 Newfound Road, Leicester, NC 28748.
Bob and I were devastated to hear of Ronald’s death. Every time we went to a WCU basketball game this year, we remembered the good times we shared with him at the games in the years before he moved to Pennsylvania. .. Bob has wonderful memories of the seasons they played together at WCC. We surely will miss him. We send the family our sincere sympathy and plan to see you at the memorial service on Sunday.
Our condolences to all of Ron’s family. When I was about sixth grade, he volunteered his time with the youth at the American Enka Plant to teach them how to play basketball. He was very thoughtful to our grown son to provide him with a Tar Heel calendar for years> He was a good friend to our family. Our prayers will be with all of you during this time of loss. May all your memories of good times keep him always near to each of you. Veronica & Leonard Crook
After hearing bad news today about Ronald Rogers, former basketball
coach of mine passing away, I am thinking back on my life and reflecting
on how thankful I am for the many coaches that God placed in my life. I
truly believe my life would have been very different without their
presence in my life. Each and every coach I had touched my life in one
way or another! Ronald Rogers was a great man and coach. He was
knowledgeable and worked hard to teach us as much as we were willing to
learn. I remember seeing him a few months before I graduated high
school and he made sure to insist that I send him a graduation
announcement so he could send me a little something. He didn’t just do
that for me, he did it for all of us. He loved each one of us and
wanted so much for us to be successful in life. Ultimately, that is
what all coaches should want for their players. Its not all about the
record at the end of the season, although we certainly won a lot of
games under the guidance of Coach Smathers and Coach Rogers. It’s more
about touching lives and preparing them for their future! I hope that I
can impact even one players life the way that he and so many of my
coaches did for me. I didn’t know Ronald’s daughter Connie, but he sure
bragged on her all the time. He told stories of her shooting all night
until she would make 100 free throws in a row. I was always amazed
with the stories. I am sending prayers out to her and the rest of his
family tonight!
My condolences to the family of Mr. Rogers. My late husband Terry worked with him at BASF just before he retired, and my in-laws Vera and Albert Pace knew him quite well.
I was so sad to see about Ronnie passing away. I worked with him for several years at Enka in the receiving dept. Ronnie was a great friend and although I have not seen him in a few years I will miss him. I used to wach him play basketbaal with the Enka Rayonites. He was truly one of a kind.
I was so sad to see about Ronnie passing away. I worked with
him for several years at Enka in the receiving dept. Ronnie was a great friend and although I have
not seen him in a few years I will miss him. I used to wach him play basketbaal
with the Enka Rayonites. He was truly one of a kind.
Connie and family,
I was so sorry to hear about your dad. You know I loved him dearly. I will miss him coming into the shop asking ‘ where is my green eyed gal’ May God give you comfort and strength during this difficult time.
All my love,
Kristi and the girls at Stargazers Floral Designs
June Hill
Connie I was sorry to hear about your daddy. I prayed that God will give you and Tom strength and comfort during this time.
Connie and Tom
My heart goes out to you both on the news of your Dad’s passing. I also know that he like Coach Yow is at his new location. I loved visiting your dad when he would visit at State and have some really good talks. One thing that I was sure of was that he love Connie and Tom and was so proud of both of you in everyway because he just beam when he talked about you both. I also know that it is hard to say farewell, just remember the great years that you had with him. God Bless you both.
Love
Brenda (Bem)
Connie and Tom, sending all my love and prayers during this sad time. During the time we spent with him during your basketball seasons, we all experienced how much your Mom and Dad loved you and how proud of you both of them were then and throughout the years since your NCSU playing time. Please know that all of your Wolfpack family is holding you in our thoughts and prayers as you and so many celebrate the life and legacy of your beloved Dad.
Connie and Tom, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know he is so proud of you both and he lives on through you. What a gift to this world! Sending love to you both.
Connie, I am so sorry to hear that your Dad has passed away. I’m sure you have treasured the time you have had with him.
Connie and Tom,
I am so sorry to learn of your father’s passing. Ron never let a Democratic meeting go by that he did not attend. He was very dedicated to the Democratic Men’s Club.
Also, a UNC Tar Heel Basketball fan. He would bring me a Tar Heel Calendar almost every year. Thanks to him, I have a nice collection. Ron never saw a stranger, he liked everyone.
I remember hearing of him when he played with the American Enka team, and at Western. If I had to guess, I believe Connie, Basketball, Democratic Politics and his Church were the most important things in his life.
I know he must have been a wonderful Father, Connie, as he talked about you and was so proud of your and Tom’s success.
He told me about teaching you to shoot basketball after dark in the back yard, where put up a goal for you.
He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
I am so sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Ron will be sorely missed. He was a staunch supporter of the Democrat party. I will miss our conversations we had over the years. Your family will be in our prayers. May God be with you during this time of sorrow.
Connie & Tom;
I have thought of you often these last several days. I was sorry to learn you both have lost a parent in these past few weeks. I know thier departure is a loss but perhaps you can be at peace knowing you provided and cared for their well- being during these closing years. Connie, your Dad was one-of-a-kind and so very proud of you! I remember him as someone who loved the sport of basketball, watching his daugther play, and thrilled with the choice you made in your spouse for life. He along with your Mom rarised a great daugther and his legacy continues to live through you. God Bless you and Tom as you go though the weeks ahead.
Connie and family, Just learned of Ron’s passing..I’m out of town but wanted you to know how the news touched me. I pray for God’s strength to be with you. Ronnie and I played for Sam and the Rayonities…at our reunion , which Ron and I arranged I told the story of our ’57 South Eastern Champonship….Ronnie and I got 40 points together…he got 39 and I got 1. Later Ron and I worked closely together at Enka…We will miss him…
Joe Ward
Connie and Tom,
I’ve been reading Ronald ‘s guest book and it is obvious he was loved and admired by many. In the short time he was in PA he made a lot of friends and truly became a part of our family. I know it gives you some comfort that he will be home now: in NC and in heaven – although he thought of them as the same place! We will miss him. Love, Debby
Connie and Tom, I have just learned of Ronald’s passing to the great court in the sky. He was a dear friend and could always bring laughter into my life. I shall never forget the wonderful times with both of you, Maude and your Dad. He loved you both so very much. He was proud of the lady that you became and you choice of a spouse. My prayer for you is that God will wrap HIS everlasting arms around you and carry you for one full year. If you ever feel that it is too hard just hold a cross in your heart, look heavenward and say, ‘ please God I need your loving arms now.’ It works for all who believe and trust in HIM. My love to both of you,
Connie, Tom and Family – We all loved Ronald and we love you too. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Connie – I have just now learned of your dad’s death from my mom. I, too, have fond memories of him from Leicester. What a nice guy with a great sense of humor. May your wonderful memories be ever present as you now remember his life.
Fondly,
Jerrilyn
Coach Rogers was a very good man and coach to me and many others in the Leicester and Erwin community. It was a blessing to have known him. May he rest in peace and God comfort his loved ones.
Connie & Tom,
Ronald, was a good many and did many good things for the youth of our community. He and I had many long talks about basketball and the good ball players from our county. We always looked forward to seeing him at the welcome table, he was full of facts for us to learn something about him and the game of basketball. He will be missed by our community.
Connie & Tom
Our deepest sympathy for your loss, You both have been the best caregivers and are to be congratulated. Think of all the good times and know relax and think of all the people who are so proud of you both. We all know they are both in a better place, celebrate all the happy times together you deserve it.
Deanna & Chuck
Connie
So sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that I will be thinking of and praying for you.
Connie,
I am so very sorry to learn of the loss of your father. He was an ICON to the Leicester and Erwin communities and to those of us that called this home. May the hands of God’s Son embrace you and keep you near.
1960 Enka Little League