Gene Rogers

Gene L. Rogers, age 87, passed away surrounded by his family on September 16, 2019. He was born on January 16, 1932 in Chase, Kansas to Leo and Ianth Rogers. He grew up on a farm outside the small town of Jennings Kansas where he attended high school. Gene went on to graduate from the University of Kansas with a degree in Electrical Engineering and later completed post graduate studies in Nuclear Engineering in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. A Dean’s list student, upon graduation in 1954, Gene was recruited from KU by Admiral Hyman Rickover and the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program in Washington, D.C. It was here that he met his first wife, Patricia, and started a family. Gene served in our nation’s defense for 33 years retiring as the Program Director for Commissioned Submarines. Gene was disciplined, intelligent, and had unparalleled work ethic and was considered one of Rickover’s most trusted advisors. Gene retired from government service in 1987 and moved to Chattanooga where he built a thriving consulting business - among his largest contracts was the Tennessee Valley Authority. It is here in Chattanooga where, after the passing of his beloved first wife Patricia and with God’s guiding hand, he found the second love of his life, Barbara Ann Ridge. Married to Barbara in 2016, he was blessed to spend his last few years in the warmth, love and companionship of Barb “his sunshine.” Gene will be remembered as a loving and dedicated husband, father and grandfather, for his wry sense of humor, and as a voracious reader and accomplished storyteller who enjoyed the company of his family, colleagues, and close knit congregation alike. Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 3 years, Barbara; sons, Paul and Scott (Suzanne); daughter, Alison (Mark); grandchildren, Seth, Caleb, Remy and Riley; stepchildren Donna, Rachel, Tim, Andy, Matthew and Ginger as well as 18 step grandchildren, 21 step great grandchildren and 3 step great great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 20th, 2019 at eleven in the morning at Falling Water Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 6534 Old Dayton Pike in Hixson followed by traditional southern barbecue. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Gene’s favorite charity, Shriners Hospitals for Children at lovetotherescue.org. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com. Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379.