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Dr. Theodore Barr Rogers, local dentist, age 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday January 1, 2009 at Briarcliff Nursing Home after having cancer for several months.
Dr. Rogers was born in Macon, Georgia on October 6, 1921 and was raised in Decatur, Alabama. He was the son of Theo B. Rogers and Eula True Rogers. He practiced dentistry in Oak Ridge for 52 years and was known for his understanding and caring demeanor with many generations of local families. Ted was a graduate of Vanderbilt University and the University of Louisville Dental School. He also served his country honorably on two separate occasions in the U.S. Army.
Ted was especially interested in the dental health of young children, volunteering many hours at the local grade schools. He served on the Board of Education for 12 years. He was instrumental in the changing of Oak Ridge Schools from the government to the public sector. He was on the Board before there was a school board. It was several people who were interested in schools and community, like an advisory board, but with no power. Ted played a major role in helping integrate the school system.
Ted met and, married his loving wife, Rozan, in 1975. His strong belief in family values led him to propose to both Rozan and her daughter, Melinda, then age eight. He embraced his family with open arms and surrounded them with all his love. On the evening of his death, he was read a love letter from his daughter, Laura.
Dr. Rogers enjoyed creating beautiful clocks and furniture in his home workshop. He was interested in gardening, serving as a past president of the U.T. Arboretum in Oak Ridge. Ted completed the coursework to become a master gardener. Having been a lifelong member of the Presbyterian faith Ted belonged to the First Presbyterian Church of Oak Ridge. He had a great love for God, family, country, and all mankind.
Dr. Rogers never lost his quest for knowledge and took many courses of interest up until a few months before his death through the Oak Ridge Institute for Continuing Learning, ORICLE.
Theodore B. Rogers is survived by his loving wife, Rozan Rogers, seven children; David and Nicole Rogers of upstate New York, R. Mike and Sue Harris of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, Melinda and Chris Morris of Radnor, Pennsylvania, Laura and Gary Mudgett of Center Sandwich, New Hampshire, Susan and Richard Herring of California, Suzette Harris of Nashville, Tennessee, and Betty and Pat McKinney of Oak Ridge. Dr. Rogers is also survived by seven grandchildren.
At the request of Dr. Rogers, there will be no receiving of friends or memorial service. Dr. Rogers asked that his friends remember him in their own special way. A private burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the Mick and Vance Morris Educational Fund, Meredith Village Savings Bank, c/o Brenda O’Connor P.O. Box 177 Meredith, NH 03253 or the charity of your choice.