On Thursday, March 2, 2023, the angel of mercy peacefully came into our midst to take Walter William Rodgers, Sr. to his eternal rest. “Bojack”, as he was affectionately called, was born on April 4, 1942, to the late Mr. and Mrs. William John and Annie Rodgers in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Bojack was educated in the Portsmouth City Public School System and was a proud graduate of I. C. Norcom High School. After graduating high school, he served his country as a decorated member of the United States Air Force in the 313th platoon. After leaving the military, he worked at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia as a Carpenter Woodcraftsman for 39 years. He also attended Norfolk State College and Tidewater Community College. When he retired from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, he then worked at the Portsmouth City Social Services Division, in Portsmouth, Virginia as a member of the Maintenance and Courier Team for over 15 years until his retirement in 2021.

Bojack was a hard worker and supported his family by building and carpentry works. He was a true master craftsman.  Bojack accepted his Lord and Savior and joined Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia, where he served on the Men’s choir and led solos and acted in Easter plays. Bojack was also an avid, semi-professional bowler, where he won many awards and trophies for his talents on the lanes. He was a dedicated member of the Charles Pete Bowling league, where he bowled for many years. He loved playing dominos and listening to his soulful gospel sounds and quartets. He loved playing baseball and was an avid horseshoe player. Bojack was very handy, simply put he was a “Jack” of all trades.

Preceding him in death was his brother, Leroy Rodgers and a grandson Gerard Williams.

Left to cherish his memories is his loving, loyal and dedicated wife of over 54 years, Mrs. Shirley Mae Rodgers, of Portsmouth, Virginia. Together they raised three children, Terri Rodgers Kelley (Micah) of California, Walter W. Rodgers, Jr. and Sharonetta M. Rodgers both of Portsmouth, Virginia. He was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren Brandon Rodgers, Dexter Rodgers, Tajh Rodgers, Deandre Williams, Sade Rodgers Hounihan (Anthony) and Jaylin Rodgers, one brother Robert Rodgers (Dorothy), two sisters Catherine Syms and Rosetta Anderson, a host of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Bojack will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and doting grandfather. His family and friends will cherish the memories of his kindness, humor, and unwavering dedication to his loved ones.

“I’ve Only Moved Away”
When my life on earth is over and my body is cold and still,
Do not grieve because I left you just remember it was God’s will.
All my suffering will be over, every trial and every test,
When God has called and I have answered,
Don’t weep for I’ll be at rest.
Only ask yourself this question, “Am I ready to meet him there?!”
Where there’ll be no separation in Heaven so bright and fair,
When you pass to view my body remember, it’s just a house of clay,
Jesus has built a mansion for me, and I’ve only moved away.