Max Rogers

"Korean Veteran"

Waynesville, Max Safford Rogers, 86, passed away on Monday, July 10, 2017 at The Homestead.

Max was born in Haywood County on December 17, 1930, the son of Edward Roy and Ollie Sprinkle Rogers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Reeves and David Rogers.

A US Air Force veteran of the Korean Conflict, he was in a Squadron of B-29 bombers based in Okinawa that provided ground support over North Korea. After his discharge from service, he returned to the Fines Creek community of Haywood County and served 14 years on the Haywood County Schools Board of Education. His tenure on the board included 4 years as Chairman and he also served on the Study Commission for the Consolidation of the Haywood County School System. Max retired from Dayco in 1989 after 36 years of employment in management and then worked an additional 5 years for Day International of Arden.

On September 24, 2016 at the age of 85, Max was honored to be chosen by the 500th Blue Ridge Honor Flight and flew to Washington DC. Max was overwhelmed by the entire trip, bringing back heartfelt memories he forever would cherish. A salute to Jeff Miller, Rick Smith and the entire Honor Flight Organization for his trip of a lifetime. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Waynesville, serving in various committee positions including Trustee Chair. He was also an usher, a member of the Faith Sunday School Class, and a fellow organizer of the United Methodist Men's Annual Fish Fry. Max was an avid fan of the NC Tar Heels.

Max is survived by his wife of 32 years, Pat O. Rogers; children, Martha B. Trull (Dean) and Patrick Bradshaw (Laura) and their children, Noah and Meredith and his daughters Caroline and Colleen and their children and grandchildren. He is also survived by four sisters, Betty Seay of St. Simon Island, Georgia, and Frances Williams, Mary D. Davis and Jean (Jack) Walker, all of Waynesville; as well as survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

At Max's request, a private family service will be held.

Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation may do so to the First United Methodist Church of Waynesville Youth Department, P.O. Box 838, Waynesville, NC 28786.