Johnnie Rogers, Sr.

Johnnie Paul Rogers, Sr

Born April 20, 1933 in Bayou La Batre, AL. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at the age of 91.

Johnnie worked at McPhillips Packing Company in Bayou La Batre. He enlisted in the Army during the Korean War and served at White Sands Proving Grounds in New Mexico until his honorable discharge on January 11, 1954. After leaving the Army he was employed by Chevron Oil Company for 40 years.

He married June LaForce on September 7, 1956. They had 3 children: Susan Maree (Steven) Clark, Vicki Lynne (Chris) Johnson and John "Paul" Rogers, Jr.

Together they owned and operated June's Florist and JP's Southern Heritage Seafood Restaurant both in Theodore.

He enjoyed his retirement years with his wife, Junie. He was an avid fan of Alabama Football and the New Orleans Saints, even in the bad years. He enjoyed fishing and loved being on the water. Johnnie was known as the "Gumbo Man" for several local churches. In 2023 he was honored as the Grand Marshall of St Margaret's Fleet Blessing.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Rosa Lee Ryan, daughter, Susan Maree Clark in 2009 and his son John Paul Rogers, Jr in 2019; three sisters, Pauline Goleman, Joyce Johnson, Shirley Mae Knight, one brother Leo Leslie Ryan and one great grandson Cade Miller Johnson.

He leaves to cherish his memory, June his wife of 68 years, his daughter Vicki, one sister Matilda Knight, his grandchildren: Kristy Clark Wheeler, Todd (Courtney) Clark, Brandon (Lindsey) Johnson, Melissa (Charles) Desselle, Ashton (DJ) Reus, Amber (Adam) Huddleston, Morgan (Brandon) McDonald, a dear friend Sandy Titus, who always referred to Johnnie as "her papa", and his great grandchildren: Baylee and Bryson Wheeler, Tucker Desselle, Ainsley and Ada Quinn Clark, Blakeley and Saylor Johnson, Lauren and Landon Joiner, Joel Lindsey and Barrett McDonald. Along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank St Joseph Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.