Edward Thomas Rogers Jr.

March 12, 1951 - June 14, 2021

Obituary For Edward Thomas Rogers Jr.

It is with great sadness that the Strauss-Rogers family announce the death of their beloved husband and father, Edward Thomas Rogers, Jr. Ed passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife, Ruth; daughter, Rachel; son, Jesse; and sister, Pam on June 14, 2021 after a courageous year- long battle with cancer.

Ed was born in Franklin, Virginia and was the son of Minnie Smoot Rogers and Edward Thomas Rogers, Sr. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1969 and attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. He was a long time resident of Raleigh, North Carolina.

Ed was a life-long builder and his family and friends have said that he could build anything. Over his 45 year career, he built custom homes in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Raleigh, North Carolina. Most recently, he built homes for Habitat for Humanity of Wake County where he was employed for nearly 10 years. Ed’s community was important to him. He served as a volunteer with the Delaware State Park opening locks on the Delaware canal near his home in Yardley, PA during flood events, building and teaching community volunteers how to build community sponsored children’s playgrounds, building props for the Sanderson High School Marching Band while his children were in band, and assisting with Special Olympics events. Ed held a lifelong appreciation of nature and spent much time traveling and camping with his family all over the U.S. and vacationing at the Outer Banks and Oak Island, NC.

Edward is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Ruth Strauss; his daughter, Rachel Rogers Faulkner of Garner, NC; his son, Jesse Rogers of Greenville, SC; and his sister, Pamela Rogers Hardy of Montpelier, Va. He is also survived by his niece, Meghan Hardy; nephew, Christopher Hardy; and many treasured cousins whom he has stayed in touch with over the years.

The Strauss-Rogers family will be celebrating Ed’s life at a later date to be determined. The family requests that donations be made to Habitat for Humanity of Wake County or Meals on Wheels in lieu of flowers. They would also like to thank the patient care teams at UNC Rex Cancer Care and Transitions LifeCare for their ongoing support.

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

August 08, 2021

John Janeri

I am so fortunate to have known Ed while serving as a volunteer house leader for Wake Habitat (2003 - 2013). He taught me so much about building homes and he did so with such patience and sureness. I always laugh when I think of how he'd make fun of me worrying about being off by 1/4" ("... save that kind of accuracy for your furniture making."). And he would always give me "that look" when he saw me with a level in my hand after dry-in ("... once the walls are up you can put that thing away"). I once asked him "why do we use black plastic in the crawl space (instead of clear plastic)?" And he'd say "the inspectors don't need to see what's under the plastic ... it's just dirt!" Ed Was a remarkable person. Just about the best man I've ever known in my 58 years (besides my own dad of course). Thank you Ed for everything - it's men like you that make this world a better place to live, and I'm a better person for knowing you. Until we meet again.
June 21, 2021

Andria

I am so glad I had the chance to meet Ed. What a generous and kind human being. I will never forget the time I was fretting about some issues with my house. He and Ruth came over and had a look and he patiently explained to me what did - and didn't - need to be done. He then went on to carefully inspect the whole house and give me all kinds of great advice. I was so grateful! He was the calm and reassuring voice I needed in that time of stress - buying a fixer-upper house on my own. Then we all went to a local watering hole to get food and ended up having some good laughs. In fact, the place was loud and the service was slow but he was calm and content as we all chatted. I even got to see his sense of humor that day. You will be so missed, Ed. You have a truly beautiful family and I am glad to know them. I am thinking about all of you during this difficult time. -Andria (Merritt) Archer
June 19, 2021

Nancy Land Edens

Ed was a great high school friend and just the best tennis partner during my first summer from college. His kindness will be a memory I can share. Blessings to his family and a salute to a great life lived.
June 18, 2021

Douglas E. DeWitt

Ed, As a builder I would like to know everything you forgot about this noble profession. The Wake County building community will miss you ,but never forget you. -Douglas E. DeWitt
June 17, 2021

Shelby Rogers

I am so very sorry for your loss. I share your grief at this very sad and difficult time at this trying period in your life, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray God will grant you the serenity and peace that you need to get this Shelby Rogers
June 17, 2021

Muriel Bennett

To read of how your husband dedicated his life to service & acts of kindness truly blesses my heart. I know that the passing of your loved one brings you and your family / friends great sorrow & I pray that you will find comfort in the beautiful memories that you built together. With much heartfelt Sympathy, Muriel