Percy Rogers, Jr., 72
Percy Rogers, Jr. passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021.
Percy was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was born on June 7, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Vivian and Percy Rogers. He grew up in Southwest Philadelphia.
Educated in the Philadelphia public school system, Percy graduated from John Bartram High School, where he loved to play basketball and sing.
In 1967, Percy joined the Air Force and began his lifelong military career as an Aircraft Environmental Systems Technician, and later trainer and instructor. As an airman, Percy served around the world, starting in Thailand during the Vietnam War, then Europe, the Middle East and other parts of Asia, and was bestowed with numerous medals for meritorious service, outstanding unit and National Defense. He retired as MSGT Percy Rogers, Jr., a Master Instructor, receiving the Air Force Commendation Medal for outstanding technical knowledge and instructional abilities that directly enhanced the overall mission effectiveness of the U.S. Air Force in Europe, and the successful conversion of the first F-16C/D aircraft unit.
As much as Percy loved the Air Force, he equally loved basketball, and his athletic prowess won him a place on the team at every base where he was deployed. He excelled on the court, and has a plethora of trophies and awards to show for it. When the time came for him to hang up his basketball sneakers, he shifted his attention to coaching, rising to become Head Coach for the AFSC team at Dover Air Force Base, where he worked for 26 years. In retirement, you'd find him happily glued to ESPN.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Bennie Smith Funeral Home, 717 W. Division St. Dover, DE.
Letters of condolence may be sent and guest book signed at www.benniesmithfunrealhome.com.
Professional services entrusted to Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.