James “Mike” Michael Rodgers, age 72, of Brownwood passed away Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at home surrounded by his family.
Celebration of Life for Mike will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 13, 2021, at Blaylock Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Stephen Jackson officiating; private interment will be held at a later date. Visitation will be held prior to services from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood.
Mike was born on May 21, 1948, to Odis Clifton Rodgers and Berniece Lavina (Timmons) Rodgers in the Kokomo Community near Gorman, Texas. He played football, basketball, baseball, and played the tuba in the band for the mighty Gorman Panthers. He sang in a gospel quartet, “The Continentals”, in his teens and early 20’s; these were specials times for him. After high school, Mike attended Cisco Jr. College earning his Associates degree.
Mike worked for Southwestern Peanut Growers Association as a field representative and inspector for 20 years. Southwestern sent him to many places and different states, his favorite was south Texas and the many friendships he made there. His next adventure was 25 years with Texoma Peanut Co., Madill, Oklahoma, as a buying point manager of Rochester Peanut Co., Rochester, Texas. During his years at Rochester, he was featured in articles from the Progressive Farmer Magazine numerous times and a cover story, “Mr. Peanut”, in 2013.
His passions were God, Gaither gospel music, being “Chief” for his family and grandkids, peanuts, sports, shooting the breeze with friends, coffee, and snuff!
Mike is survived by his wife, Cindy Rodgers of Brownwood; son, Eric Jackson of Brownwood; 2 daughters, Lisa Rowan and husband Jackson of San Angelo, and Lori Rodgers of Brownwood; 2 grandson, Ryker Lane Rowan and Myles James Rowan of San Angelo; sister, Joyce Gilbert of Katy, and 2 brothers, John Rodgers and wife Latonne of Carbon, Bob Rodgers and wife Kathy of Brownwood. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Odis and Berniece Rodgers; paternal and maternal grandparents; and a nephew, Dean Gilbert.
Online condolences for the family are welcome at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com.
