Rogers Henry East

Mr. Rogers Henry East, 89, loving and devoted husband of Dorothy Lee East and a resident of Bloxom, VA, passed away Friday, January 31, 2020 at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital. Born September 12, 1930 in Smithtown, Long Island, NY and raised in Eastville, VA, he was a son of the late Samuel Henry East and Rose Willis East.

Following graduation from Northampton High School, Rogers enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was a proud veteran of the Korean War. Soon after returning to the Shore, Rogers was hired as a part of the crew that constructed the original Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. He traveled as far as Florida, posting the infamous seagull signs, many of which still guide the way today. Upon completion of the CBBT, he began working as a custodian for the United States Postal Service, in Onancock, VA, retiring after nearly 20 years. Rogers then continued his custodial career at the Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center, in Painter, VA, and later, at Food Lion, in Oak Hall, VA. He was a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church, in Parksley, VA, where he and Dorothy were married on December 17, 2000.

Rogers’ greatest priorities in life were his car, his dog, and his sweetheart, Dorothy. Throughout their marriage, Rogers was a loyal and dedicated husband and caregiver to Dorothy. Since her move to the nursing home a few years ago, he continued his unwavering commitment to her, having visited every single day. Though his presence will be greatly missed by loved ones, they will keep his memory alive in the many cherished moments shared.

In addition to his beloved wife of nearly 20 years, he is survived by his daughter, Nancy L. Morgan and wife, Tracy Alford, of Jacksonville, NC; stepchildren, Karen M. Dempsey, SGT (USA Retired) and fiancé, Larry G. Conser, of Parksley, Lynn D. Reiss and husband, Donald, of Madison, VA, Thomas J. Deuter and wife, Patsy, of Oak Forest, IL; sister; Margaret Morgan of Henderson, NV; brother, Peter “Pete” East of Cape Charles; grandchildren, Harold “Will” Deuter III and wife Erica, Karen Deuter II, Randy Reiss and wife Shannon, Bill Reiss and wife Arlene, Thomas A. Deuter, Danielle Bettinardi and husband Jon, Miranda Kraus and husband Jamie, and Frank Deuter; great-grandchildren, Harold “Liam” IV, Chloe, Kody, Maddy, Naomi, Adrian, Jonathan, and Sophia; stepdaughter-in-law, Geraldine “Gerrie” Deuter of Atlantic, VA and her children, and their families; several nieces and nephews; and last, but not least, his dog “Rex,” who was his best bud. Other than his parents, he was predeceased by his stepson, Harold W. Deuter II; sister, Geraldine Small; and brother, Sydney East.

Funeral services will be conducted from the chapel of the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., with The Reverend G. Wayne Parsley officiating. There will be a visitation at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Eastern Shore SPCA, P.O. Box 154, Onley, VA 23418.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.

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