Ernest Lloyd Rogers, age 89 died Sunday February 22, 2015 at Kings Mountain Hospice. Born in Cleveland County on June 10, 1925 he was the son of the late Leabron Angus and Mallie Jane Ledbetter Rogers. He was a member of First Baptist Church. He served in the U. S. Marine Corp during WWII. He was a member of the VFW. Ernest was the last surviving, organizing charter member of the Cleveland Volunteer Fire Department. He was a founding member and past president of the New Car Dealers Association. In 1961, he became the owner of the Pontiac dealership in Cleveland County, which became Rogers Pontiac and Cadillac. He played golf, loved to travel, water ski and was an avid boater. In addition to his parents, Ernest is preceded in death by his first wife, Arzie Blanton Rogers; a son, Charlie Rogers; and two brothers, Clyde Rogers and Johnnie Rogers.

Ernest is survived by his wife Cathy Brooks Rogers; a son, Pat Rogers and wife Rita of Shelby; daughter-in-law, Barbara Spangler Rogers of Shelby; a sister, Ruth Mabry of Blacksburg; three brothers, Harvey Rogers of Mooresville, Leabron Rogers and wife Betty of Gaffney, and Paul Rogers and wife Elaine of Florida; grandchildren, Aimee Thomas and husband Jay, Chuck Rogers, Ernie Rogers,; and great grandchildren, Alyssa Rogers, Savannah Rogers, a stepson, Dennis Jolley of Boiling Springs; step grandchildren, Tyler Jolley, and Ashley Partin and husband Justin; and step great grandchild, Harper Partin.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church with Rev. Tony Tench and Dr. Carroll Page officiating. Burial will follow at Cleveland Memorial Park with Military Honors. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: First Baptist Church 120 N. Lafayette St. Shelby, NC 28150 or Boiling Springs Baptist Church PO Box 917 Boiling Springs, NC 28017.

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Rogers.