Stewart T. "Buck" Rodgers
Stewart T. “Buck” Rodgers passed away Sunday, March 17, 2024, at The Chesapeake Retirement Community. His battle with multiple melanoma and liver cancer is over.
His parents, Edgar H. Rodgers and Dorothy F. Rodgers, and sisters Jean Woolard and Arlene Vallejo preceded him in death. Buck is survived by his wife of 69 years, Nancy C. Rodgers; daughters Lynn R. Brewer (Gregg) and Karen R. Stay (Brian); granddaughter Heather M. Flint; sister Frances Huffman; sister-in-law Kitty Boatwright; and many nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Newport News High School in 1952, he served in the US Army in Korea.
After his honorable discharge from military service, he worked for VA Electric and Power Co., and then completed a 25-year career with the Newport News Department of Parks and Recreation as the Superintendent of Parks Maintenance Operations.
Buck began playing lead guitar in local bands while in high school and has continued for 70 years. He was the lead guitar player for Carolina Charlie’s award-winning band for many years, and that led to two appearances at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. He has played with notables such as Loretta Lynn, Mary Lou Turner, Charlie Pride, and Merle Haggard, to name a few. Buck is a VA Country Music Association member and received their Pioneer Award in 2011 for his contributions to country music. He is a lifetime Reunion of Professional Entertainers (ROPE) member. In 1985, after retiring, Buck began carving wildlife and won many prestigious awards. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Scott Kruger and the staff of VA Oncology Associates. Also, thanks to the Personal-Touch Hospice staff for their year-long care.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 27, from 6 – 7:30 pm at the Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601. Interment will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lackey Clinic, 1620 Old Williamsburg Rd., Yorktown, VA 23690, or to your favorite Charity.
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home.