John Chapman "Johnny" Rogers

A memorial service will be held at 12pm on Mon. Oct. 30, 2023 at the Ott & Lee Funeral Home Chapel in Forest, MS. Visitation will be on Mon. Oct. 30, 2023 from 10am-12pm at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Forest. Burial will follow the services at Pulaski Cemetery. A full obituary will be uploaded when completed.

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                                 JOHN CHAPMAN ROGERS

John Chapman Rogers passed away at home in Forest early Wednesday morning.  The soundtrack of his life played in the background.  His family and a few close friends were by his side.

Johnny was born in Forest, Mississippi in 1950 to Carl and Mary Rogers. He was the second of five children in a boisterous and loving family.

The family moved to Louisville where Johnny made lifelong friends.  When he wasn’t running track or playing football at Louisville High School, he was playing bass guitar in local bands. His love of music stayed with him, filling his home and heart with songs. 

He was a businessman and entrepreneur, working first in the family furniture company before moving his young family back to Forest, where he was never afraid to try a new venture. Over the years, employees and customers became friends.

With Johnny, everything was an adventure.   He loved road trips, Panama City Beach, the river and the reservoir.  And on warm winter days in Mississippi, he would load up the car and drive north to find the first snow of season.

His greatest adventure came on New Year’s Day in 1990 when Johnny married Alice Harris (Miles).  She was the love of his life.  They filled their home with family, dear friends and all-night conversations.

He was the biggest personality in the room. He was “Big J” or “JR,” holding court from his chair at the end of the kitchen bar.  He was a straight shooter, said what was on his mind.  He was kind and empathetic.

Johnny loved the New Orleans Saints and the Mississippi State Bulldogs. He loved golf, both playing and following on TV.

He learned be a father on the job, and he learned well.  He was always present in the moment.  He talked to his sons, and he listened when they spoke.  His advice was sound, and his support was never-ending.

To his son Mitch, a globetrotter, he gave a spirit of curiosity about people and places.  He gave the gift of adventure. He was very proud of him.

To his son Ryan, a professional drummer, he gave a love of music and the gift of following your heart.  He was very proud of him.

To his son Derek, a television executive, he gave a love of classic movies, classic rock, and the gift of storytelling.  He was very proud of him.

To his wife Alice, he gave a life that was often entertaining, always steadfast and true. He gave her his heart.

He is preceded in death by his parents Carl and Mary Rogers, his sister Jeannie Lynn and his son Mitch Miles.

Johnny is survived by his wife Alice, his sons Derek Rogers (Mary Carroll), and Ryan Rogers.  He is survived by his brother Bryant Rogers (Coco), sisters Glen Rogers and Susan Rogers Pickett (Randy), brothers in law Roland Harris (Shirley) and Donnie Harris (Ramona).  He is survived by his grandsons Hal Sullivan and Denny Sullivan. He is also survived by 4 nieces and 3 nephews and 1 great-niece.  He is survived by many dear friends. 

It was a life well lived and well loved.  Johnny will be tremendously missed by all who loved him.

Visitation is scheduled for Monday, October 30^th from10:00 a.m. until noon at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Forest.  The service is immediately following visitation.

Memorials may be made to the PTSD Foundation of America (Camp Hope) at ptsdusa.org or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.