Willie Ray Rodgers

Willie Ray Rodgers, also known as “Willie Ray” and “Ray,” our beloved Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the age of 84. Willie was born on February 27, 1940, in Ozan, Arkansas, to Avery Rodgers and Valsie (Sue) White and raised by his uncle and aunt, Mitchell and Everlee Conway (Pappa and Big Mamma).

At an early age, Willie moved to Flint, Michigan, where he met his wife, Mary Horton, and began working at the Saginaw Malleable Iron Plant and remained there until he retired.

Willie was a member of Zion Missionary Baptist Church and served as a member of the Usher Board. In addition, Willie was a man of many passions which include playing dominoes, listening to music, especially the blues, and watching sports, including baseball, basketball, and football. 

Willie will be remembered by his four children: Karen (Noland) Heath, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Kathy Rodgers, Lawrenceville, Georgia; Willie Jr. (Trameka) Rodgers, and Kevin Rodgers, Saginaw, Michigan; Willie leaves behind six grandchildren, LaToya (Jimmie) Young, Saginaw, Michigan; Brandon Heath, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jalen Heath, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Willie Rodgers III, Detroit, Michigan, Ty Rodgers, Champaign, Illinois, and Savannah Rodgers, Saginaw, Michigan; one great-grandchild, Willie Rodgers IV, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Willie is also survived by a special aunt, Pearl Camp; one brother-in-law, Willie J. (Amaryllis) Williams; one sister-in-law, Glenda Williams; three nieces: Zajayla,  DeKechra,  and Keisha Williams; three nephews, Charles W. Williams, Michael Murphy and Zavion Williams; two great-nieces, Zariana and Zyani Williams; one godson, Michael (Laurecia) Witherspoon; a host of other relatives and friends; and two special young ladies, Shaneditha Butler and LaMonica Lee.

Willie was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Rodgers; daughter, Michelle Rodgers; parents, Avery and Valsie (Sue) White; Uncle Mitchell and Aunt Everlee Conway (Pappa and Big Mamma); sister-in-law, Francine Williams and his cousins, brothers and sisters, Luerannia Keels, Ollie Baker, Pecolia Mixon, Icerine Conway-Gamble, Claire Perkins, Mitchell Sr., James, George Sr., Leroy Sr., and Vance Conway.