Warren Jefferson "Jeff" Rodgers, Sr.

RODGERS, Mr. Warren Jefferson "Jeff" Sr. 33/97 World Egyptians Rite Masons 97 - age 57, passed away, Saturday, October 25, 2014 at Vibra Hospital of Southeastern Michigan-Taylor Campus. Family hour 10:00AM Saturday, November 1, 2014 from the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 268 N. Perry St., with a funeral service commencing at 11:00AM. Family and Friends will assemble at the funeral home 10:00AM Saturday. Mr. Rodgers will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, and may be viewed from 2:00PM-8:00PM Friday. Mr. Warren Jefferson Rodgers Sr. (33/97th degree World Egyptians Rite Masons) was born to Mr. James Smith and the late Mrs. Willie May Smith on July 13, 1957, in Pontiac, Michigan. He resided in Pontiac until he departed this life on October 25, 2014. Warren was affiliated with the World Egyptian Rite Grand Lodge, in Luxor Egypt. He was the Grand High Priest General 97th degree for the Northern jurisdiction. Warren attended school in the Pontiac School District from elementary through high school and upon his graduation; he attended Oakland University and Lawrence Technology University, where he pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Architectural Design. He also attended various trainings and received a certification as a Master builder. He was extremely creative and resourceful and at the age of 20, he developed a one lever hand control for a backhoe tractor while he worked as an Oakland University Intern student at Ford Motor Company. Warren’s employment includes, but is not limited to the following: Ford Motor Company, City of Pontiac - Assistant City Engineer & Pontiac Fire Department. He was also self-employed as a Master builder, WJR Construction Company. Warren was an avid reader and researcher; he practiced Martial Arts and obtained his 7th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do; he had a strong interest in luxury cars, which included the engineering, designing and/or redesigning of them. Warren was a courageous and uninhibited man who experienced successes and challenges; he was a leader who did not have a problem speaking his mind and advocating for what he believed in even if it meant he had to stand alone. He had a wealth of knowledge and he extended his knowledge, experience and skills to many. He loved his family and dog and his focus was on making a positive difference. As he once stated, “I’ve been through a lot in my life, but I never allow anything to keep me from studying from our ancient tests for more light on Egyptian Rite Masonry, how it relates to God and Man, and how I can apply the information to my life, so I can be a better man”. Warren leaves to cherish his memory: wife (22 years) Mary E. Rodgers; children, Warren Jefferson Rodgers, Jr., Jerome and Jacqulyn Richardson; father, James Smith; siblings, Harold McDonald, Rosie (Mike) Biener , JoAnn Rodgers, Justine Rodgers, Jeanette (Cornelius) Russell, Penny (Brad) Hotchkiss and Keith (Gail) Rodgers; grandchildren, Emanual Richardson, Brayden and Aydrian Rodgers; and a host of other relatives and friends. Warren is preceded in death by his mother, Willie Mae Smith; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Roosevelt Jones; siblings, Michael Pilgrim and Mauretha Williams. The Family Would Like To Express Special Thanks To: Mr. Bill Maxey for all of his support and assistance, as well as everyone who extended prayers and support during Mr. Rodgers health challenges and time of bereavement.

Warren Jefferson "Jeff" Rodgers, Sr.

July 13, 1957 - October 25, 2014