Elmer Ray Rodgers

Elmer Ray Rodgers, 92, of Batesburg, passed away Saturday, November 11, 2023. Born on February 6, 1931 in Lexington County, he was the eldest son of the late Benjamin Frank and Ruth Corley Rodgers. Ray was married to the late Betty Jean Hartley Rodgers for 67 years, until her death in 2017. He was a member of Samaria Baptist Church in Batesburg.

Affectionately known by so many as 'Mr. Ray', he never met a stranger and loved to talk about his family, his life and his farm. Many of his afternoons were spent riding the tractor attending to his cows. He was a hard worker and had many friends who were always willing to help out if there was anything he needed. His personality was big and his heart was even bigger. Ray was a faithful employee for Amick Farms for over 40 years. His trucking business employed many people, most of whom he taught how to drive 18-wheelers. He enjoyed his travels hauling chickens or shavings to different chicken house growers.

Surviving are his daughters and sons-in-law, Cindy Hartley, Debbie Poole (Larry), Joy Shumpert (Allen); and daughter-in-law, Celia Rodgers, all of Batesburg; grandchildren, Ryan Hartley (Mary), Brenn Hartley, Amber Hartley, Sarah Poole, Beth Poole, and Kaitlyn Shumpert Moseley (Tristan); as well as his great grandson, Rayns Hartley. He had many wonderful nieces and nephews whom he enjoyed talking with and visiting. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Gene Ray Rodgers and siblings, Jimmy Rodgers, Muriel Hall and Peggy Douglas.

The funeral service for Mr. Ray will be held at 3:30 P.M. Tuesday, November 14th at Samaria Baptist Church with burial immediately following in the church cemetery. Pastor John Yorio, Pastor Steven Little, and Pastor Ted Hambrick will be officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. Monday, November 13th at Milton Shealy Funeral Home and other times at the home of his daughter, Cindy. Active pallbearers will be: Ryan Hartley, Robert Padgett, Gene Ray Oswalt, Ervin Poole, Terry Rodgers, Jeff Clary and Gene Hartley. Honorary pallbearers will be: Ramon Hartley, Dennis Whitman, Terry Kirkland, Malcolm Bryant, Wyatt Eargle, Plato (Bubba) Kneece, and Johnny Ligon.

The family would like to express their appreciation to his companion, Cynthia Mallard, for her care of daddy these last few years. They would also like to thank Heart of Hospice Service for making his last week as comfortable and peaceful as possible.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Samaria Baptist Church, 6560 Fairview Road, Batesburg, S.C 29006.