On December 25, 2014, Robert “Bobby” Hamer Rogers, Jr. age 86, joined the church triumphant and many family members and friends. Bobby was born to Robert Hamer Rogers Sr. and Clara Ellenburg Rogers on March 18, 1928 in Great Falls, SC.

Bobby moved with his family from Durham in 1932 to Shelby where his father was the Ford and Lincoln Automobile dealer. Bobby was educated in the Shelby School system and McCallie Preparatory School in Chattanooga Tennessee and was a graduate of Howard Business College. Bobby owned and operated Bobby Music Shop for 58 years and was listed in Who’s Who in Young Business Men of America. He was among the first draftees in Cleveland County in 1950 during the Korean Conflict and was a medic in the first division of the Rangers and obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant. While he was away in the Army his mother operated the business for him. Bobby was a member of Central United Methodist Church. During his life he was very active in the church, holding various positions. He was a teacher in the Hoey Bible class for 56 years. Bobby was a lifelong Democrat. He was past Democratic chairman of the 10th congressional district and past Shelby precinct chairman of district #2. He was a past chairman of the Goodwin House in Raleigh where the largest room, due to Bobby’s influence, was named for Cleveland County. He had been the last surviving member of the Shelby Optimist Club and was the current Treasurer. He was the Distinguished Governor of Optimist in North Carolina and was past International Vice President. He was instrumental in the purchase of the land and construction of Optimist Park for Children. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #202; a Shriner and member of the American Legion. He was the last surviving charter member of the Cleveland Volunteer Fire Department and was the current Chairman. Bobby was a 30 year member of the Isothermal Board of Planning and Development. He served as Chairman for four terms. He was a past president of the Uptown Shelby Association, and Past President of the Shelby Chamber of Commerce. Bobby had a great love for his church, Shelby, and Cleveland County.  In addition to his parents, Bobby is preceded in death by his first wife, Marjorie Hoyle Rogers; two brothers, Tommy Rogers and Will Rogers; and a sister, Ruth Rogers Edgar.

Bobby is survived by his beloved wife, Lillian Harmon Rogers; a daughter by marriage, Kimberly Harmon Franks and husband Terry of Kings Mountain; a granddaughter by marriage, Melissa Franks of Charlotte; a grandson by marriage, Will Franks of Kings Mountain; a brother, Sam Rogers of Shelby; a nephew, Sammy Rogers and wife Angie of Shelby; one great nephew and one great niece of Shelby; and his beloved poodle, “Robert Hamer Rogers, III”.

Funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church with Dr. Joe Collins officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

Memorials can be made to: Central United Methodist Church 200 East Marion St. Shelby, NC 28150, or Cleveland County Humane Society 1609 East Marion St. Shelby, NC  28150.