Charles L. Rogers, 83, died on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018.

A memorial service will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Washington, officiated by Reverend Kenneth Hall.

Charles, a native of Wake County, was the son of the late Latney Norris Rogers and Clara Shearon Rogers. He was a 1952 graduate of Rolesville High School, served in the U.S. Naval Reserves, had a longstanding career in business, and retired from Lowe’s Home Improvement Company. While at Lowe’s, he was instrumental at the home office level in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, in developing the home improvement program and implementing garden centers into Lowe’s stores. Following retirement, Charles remained active in the sales world as an entrepreneur, establishing several companies. A resident of Washington for the last 29 years, he was an active member of First United Methodist Church, Committee of 100, and served on boards at ECU including Friends of Joyner Library and Friends of Laupus Library. In addition, Charles was a Centennial member of the ECU Alumni Association, a Honorary Alumnus and a member of the ECU Pirate Club holding Van Saint (25 year) membership status. He was kindhearted and never met a stranger. He loved animals and could often be found feeding ducks at his residence.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Rogers was preceded in death by four siblings, Dwight, Lois, Aileen, and Robert.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jewelle; four daughters, Sheila, Dayle, Anita, and Melanie; nine grandchildren, Lee, Steven, Justin and wife Amanda, Kevin and wife Lois, Anderson, Dwight, Ethan, Samantha and Caroline; and two great-grandchildren, Kaylee and Dillon.

The family will receive friends Saturday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Wilkerson Funeral Home in Greenville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to ECU College of Fine Arts and Communications, Erwin Building, Greenville, NC 27858 or Beaufort County Humane Society, PO Box 33, Washington, NC 27889.

Arrangements are by Wilkerson Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences at www.WilkersonFuneralHome.com.