William Shannon Rogers' Obituary
William Shannon Rogers entered heaven on December 4, 2020 at the age of 71. He was “Billy” to anyone who had known him as a kid, “Bill” to everyone else, and “Diddy” to 6 much-loved grandchildren.
Bill was born April 22, 1949 in Dallas and grew up there, graduating from Woodrow Wilson HS and attending FBC Dallas with his family. He played the cornet in marching band and sang in the Chapel Choir. He went on to Baylor University, was a member of Baylor Chamber of Commerce and earned a B.B.A. in accounting in 1972 and an M.B.A. in 1973. He met Melanie Hooks at Baylor on a blind date; they were married on January 2, 1971. They moved to Austin, where he traveled the state as an examiner for the FDIC; because of his excellent work he became a senior examiner a year ahead of schedule.
In 1977, he began working for Lake Air National Bank, which brought a move back to Waco. He stayed with the bank through many name changes and realignments, working as a controller. In 1990, the family moved to Dallas and he began working for Dallas Baptist University in Work Placement and then Development. He was honored just before his death for 30 faithful years of service at DBU.
Bill’s great love was his family. He took delight in cheering on all their accomplishments and faithfully showing up for each of them. He would bounce grandchildren on his knee or toss them in the pool over and over. He sang “Amazing Grace” and “It Is Well” over all of them. He loved to quote movies, and sang all the time. He was a lifetime Baylor Bear supporter, cheering on their teams every time he had a chance. Bill’s laugh will be remembered by everyone who knew him.
Bill’s quiet and deep faith was the foundation of who he was and how he lived his life. He was a servant leader, acting behind the scenes and generously giving his time and resources to anyone who needed them. Everywhere he lived, he was an active member of the local church and willingly joined leadership teams, deacon bodies, and various committees. He gave blood regularly, reaching his 10-gallon milestone earlier this year. He would drop everything to give someone a ride to the airport.
Along with Melanie, Bill is survived by his daughters Shannon McCrory and her husband Patrick, Elizabeth Thurman and her husband Brad; grandchildren Ryan, Evie, Ellie, Lillie, Will, and Bradley. He is also survived by two siblings: Susan Eveland and her husband Ken, Rick Rogers and his wife Jane. He also leaves behind many well-loved extended family members. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Esther Beth Rogers, and his brother Curtis Rogers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dallas Baptist University (3000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, 75211) or First Baptist Academy (7898 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, 75288)
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