Deacon Eddie J. Rodgers

Deacon Eddie Rodgers of 308 Shirley Dr., Fort Walton Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully Friday night, November 19, 2021 at 11:10 P.M. at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. Eddie Jell Rodgers was born on September 14, 1937 in Perote, Alabama. He was the third child of eleven siblings born of the late Deacon David and Flora Mae Rodgers. He attended public school in Bullock County, graduating from Perote High School in 1956. Shortly after high school, Eddie moved to Fort Walton Beach, where he met and married his wife, Martha Ann Harmon of 64 years; five children were born of this union.

He united with Sylvania Heights First Baptist Church in 1977 and was ordained as Deacon in 1978. He diligently served as Sunday School Superintendent, Director, Board of Directors, Church Treasurer, Building and Grounds Director and as an unofficial mentor to the young men of the church. He was a man of true Godly wisdom. Deacon Rodgers served as the first President of the Sylvania Heights Front Porch project initiated by the former Governor Jeb Bush. He and his team were instrumental in making many positive changes in the community.

Deacon Rodgers was employed by the City of Fort Walton Beach Police Department for 33 years. He was a Lieutenant on the police force and part-time Custodian for the Okaloosa County School District, retiring from both jobs in 1999. Always looking for something to do, he also was self-employed, tree removal, lawn care and odd jobs service. He enjoyed being with his family, fishing, and gardening.

Eddie leaves to cherish his precious memories, his loving and faithful wife, Martha Ann Rodgers; one son, Roderick Rodgers (Haley); four daughters, Sharona Henry (Fritz), Tonya Robinson (Rufus), Tressy Samuel, Ingrid Rodgers; Brothers, Marvin Rodgers (Willie Mae), Upper Marlboro, MD, George Rodgers (Betty) Mitchellville, MD; Sisters, Celia Alice Rodgers, SC, Mary Chatman, Capitol Heights, MD, Eunice Ricks (William) Oxen Hill, MD; ten grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, six sister-in-law’s, five brother-in-law’s, aunts, uncles, many cousins, nephews, and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Flora Mae Rodgers; two brothers, Hollis Rodgers, Clarence Rodgers; two sisters, Sarah Vannoy and Stella Rodgers.

A Funeral service will be held at Sylvania Heights First Baptist Church, 511 Lovejoy Road Northwest, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32548 on Saturday, November 27, 2021, beginning at 11:00 A.M. A Visitation will begin an hour prior at 10:00 A.M. Interment will immediately follow at Beal Memorial Cemetery.