ROGERS, Riley (Eddie), age 69, passed from this life on February 20, 2020, in New Port Richey, FL at Consulate Health Care. Riley was born on December 18, 1950 to Leo & Dollie (Degraffeneed) Rogers in Sapulpa, OK. Riley's early years growing up, he spent his time working at what he could do to make him money. He would mow grass and trim lawns and driveways in the neighborhood with hand shears. This was years before the weed eater came out, often making only 25 cents. At only 5 years old he would sell tea and Koolaid for 5 cents a glass to the carpenters in the neighborhood who loved and humored him. His brother would try to get him to play baseball or football and he would say "I don't have time to play, I'm going to make money!" and off he would go. His nickname as a kid was Tuffy, which his uncle often called him. Riley was a a very good swimmer and he was self-taught. His big brother could not swim and Riley knew it! Riley enjoyed swimming at the pond Don's Marine Land during summer months. He was a good roller skater, spending many summer days at Starlight Skating Rink. His brother Don would give him rides on his scooter, and when he picked him up in the evenings Riley would help him with his three paper routes. Riley was spoiled by his brother, Don fondly remembered Riley's sweet tooth getting a little out of hand when he let him use his charge account at the Burlies Spudnut Shop in Sapulpa! He and Don loved each other dearly, they were best friends who always had each other's backs. Riley retired from the US Navy in 1993 after 23 years of service. After retiring from the Navy, Riley made his home in Maryville, TN near Knoxville. He loved living in the Smoky Mountains and enjoying his season tickets to Dollywood. He went almost every day after working, telling his family that it was relaxing for him. For some time Riley worked as a security guard at University of Tennessee home games. He later managed Subway stores in Knoxville, TN, where he met his wife, Janice. They married in Las Vegas in 2002, eventually making Florida their home. Riley was preceded in death by his parents, Leo & Dollie Rogers; and baby brother, Billy Ray Rogers. Riley is survived by his wife, Janice Rogers; stepson, Josh Dennis, of Knoxville, TN; son, Billy Rogers (Patti) of Chewy, OK; daughter, Carmelita Gruse (Robert) of Tulsa, OK; brother, Don Rogers (Betty) of Haskell, OK; two sisters: Doris Thomas & Sue Ellis of Sapulpa, OK; and three grandchildren: Abagail Gruse, Dillion Gruse, and Tyler Linum. Internment will take place at Florida National Cemetery (6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513) at 10:30am on April 2, 2021.

Florida National Cemetery