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Obituaries
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 6:00 p.m. to 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.
7 Comments
Stewart was a dear man and loved by all who knew him. Condolences to Nancy and all the family.
God Bless!
A longtime friend and golf partner, he may be gone but will never be forgotten. I will catch up with you on the back nine Buck. Nancy, our sincerest condolences as you will both be in our thoughts and prayers forever!
Lynn, Patrick and I both are thinking of you and your family during this most difficult time. I have enjoyed hearing stories of your Dad and your mom and dad together for over the past 20+ years! He truly was a remarkable man! Our sympathies are with your family!
Our country music family has lost a great oak and a great friend. Will always remember our times together when he would say ……
“Jimmy let’s pick ! “
Nancy my heart goes out to you
please let me know if I can do anything for you.
I met Stuart when he played with Eddie Travis Band at the Golf Club in Gloucester. Then we connected again
when he played with Bland Burcher and The Cruisers. What fond memories I have of him. My deepest
sympathy to all of his love ones. Cherish all the precious memories and may they be eternal.
Sincerely,
Peggy Douglas
Hayes, Va
So sorry to read Stuart has passed away. I met him back in the 60/when he played with the Eddie Travis band,
I connected back when he played with Bland Burcher and The Cruisers. I have so many fond memories of
him. My deepest sympathy to all of his love ones. Cherish all the precious memories and may they be eternal.
Sincerely,
Peggy Douglas
Hayes, Va
What a wonderful man. He was the best grandfather to Heather. He never knew a stranger. Praying for the family! 🙏🙏🙏
Bob & Tammy
Robbie & Noah