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Alfred Tate Rogers, Sr.
Date of Death or Service Mar 21, 2020
Alfred Tate Rogers, Sr.
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 Tate left this world at age 86 as he lived it, stubbornly but peacefully, on March 3, 2020, strong, ignoring any pain from Alzheimer's. He was born on May 29, 1933, in Decaturville, TN, to Ellen and Rube Rogers.

  Growing up in Decaturville, he lived an adventurous life on the family farm, riding through town on a wagon pulled by his goat, delivering newspapers on his pony, and walking miles to the Parsons roller skating rink. As a young boy he could be found, hiding behind a tree, playing taps on his trumpet for fallen WWII soldiers. Much of his time in high school was spent on the track and football field as a gifted, competitive athlete.

  At the age of 17, he left home, on his own, for Memphis in hopes of being recruited on the football field at Whitehaven High School. University of Tennessee at Martin noticed and gave him a scholarship before moving to Austin Peay State University (APSU) where he excelled at football, track, swimming and boxing.  Powering through the challenges of severe Dyslexia, he graduated in 1956 with a degree in Health and Physical Education. He was awarded the prestigious Joy Award at APSU for Most Outstanding Athlete and was voted Campus Favorite.

  While in college and economically challenged, he was recruited by the Southwestern Company to sell bibles, door to door. He took many college mates to the “book field,” where he realized his gift for salesmanship as well as motivating and mentoring others.

  After graduation, Tate met with General Westmorland, Commander of the 101st Airborne Division in Ft. Campbell, KY. Tate desperately wanted to remain close to the love of his life, Sissy Stone, who was a coed at APSU. His wish was granted after he was convinced to jump from airplanes as a paratrooper while playing football on the base for the General.

  Upon completion of his military service, he had an active career at the Southwestern Company as a sales manager rising to Executive Vice President, managing & mentoring college students. An avid pilot, he flew his Beechcraft Bonanza all over the country, recruiting and managing thousands of students for the company, building lifetime relationships.

  In 1989, at the age of 56, he returned to college at TSU and earned a master’s degree in counseling with an emphasis on addiction. Upon graduation he founded "Phases", a recovery and halfway house program with a focus on positive thinking, recovery and helping others.

  Tate had an incredible work ethic in all endeavors. Whether he was running the ball, boxing, being a paratrooper, piloting his plane, riding a motorcycle across the Baja desert, encouraging his children and grandchildren, mentoring many and helping recovering addicts, he was selfless and enthusiastic. He lived life passionately with great empathy and love for others and a smile as legendary as his full head of hair and his dance moves.

  Tate was active in community affairs, serving on the Board of Directors at Franklin Road Academy, Alcohol and Drug Council of Middle Tennessee, McNeilly Day Home, Cerebral Palsy of Davidson County and the Better Business Bureau. He was a longtime member of Woodmont Christian Church.

  Tate is survived by his wife Martha (Sissy) Stone Rogers of 64 years.

  Children and Grandchildren: Rhea Rogers Crenshaw (Ed) their children Miller Crenshaw Cowan (Hunter), Clay and Alice, Memphis, TN.  Al Rogers (Lee) their children, Tate, Reeves, Abby, Scotty, Jack, Bowman and Landry, Tampa, FL. Tate Rogers (Stephanie) their children, Rosie, Roscoe, and Morgan, Ridgway, CO. Ali Rogers, Steamboat Springs, CO. (Greatest Aunt of all time!)

  Sister: Rubielen Rogers Norris, Athens, GA.

  The family wishes to express their gratitude for the friends and family who have supported Tate through his journey. A special thanks to Dr. Jerry Crook, Sr, John Dee Lawrence, his caregiver and friend, as well as the amazing nurses with Alive Hospice.

In memory of Tate, charitable donations may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alive Hospice, or a charity of choice.

  THE VISITATION FOR MR. ROGERS HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR MARCH 28th.

 

 

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