of Nolensville, TN
October 1, 1936 - November 1, 2022
Arkansas boxing legend Darrell "Ray" Rodgers died Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 at his son's home in Nolensville, TN following a life that touched thousands of people around the world through his work with sports and boxing organizations.
Born in Shawnee, OK on Oct. 1, 1936 to Ted and Wanda Rodgers, Rodgers moved to Conway, AR as a child and graduated from Conway High School and later Arkansas State Teachers College, now the University of Central Arkansas. He enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard in 1959 and retired in 1982 as a Sergeant First Class as a tank platoon sergeant. He owned Mid-South Drywall for 20 years, in Little Rock, until his retirement in 2011. He was also a member of the Markham Street Baptist Church.
Known for his quick humor and his savvy lines, Rodgers' last fight against Alzheimer's was one that he stood toe to toe with, standing until the final bell. A father, husband, businessman, community leader and coach, Rodgers was a friend to many and a mentor to more, always known to quip "keep your head down, your gloves up and your ass off the canvas" or to "keep punching".
He began his boxing career at age 11 and never looked back, even helping coach fellow teens. He often talked about his own amateur boxing career of 14 years this way: "I had deceptive speed as a boxer", he would say. "I was slower than I looked", adding that he "never finished worse than second place in a match".
He opened the Ray Rodgers Boxing Club in Conway in 1969 and later moved the club to Little Rock, where local leaders donated space for him because of his strong connection to local youths. He operated the club until 2020, at the Junior Deputy fields, where he also opened an afterschool education center and computer lab for local students. Throughout his coaching career, professional boxers like Muhammed Ali, Joe Frazier, Ernie Shavers and Sean O'Grady visited or worked out at the gym.
He trained young people in boxing for over 60 years and traveled in the team van on Saturday nights, taking his young boxers to local tournaments in every corner of Arkansas and to tournaments across the nation. Rodgers ran the National Silver Gloves as president from 1980 to 2020 and was president of National Golden Gloves from 2007-2017. Many credited him with being the heart and soul of Arkansas and national youth boxing for years, bringing many regional and national tournaments to the state.
His boxing touch extended to the pro ranks, where he worked more than 1,000 professional fights around the world as a cutman, including 39 world title fights for Jermaine Taylor, Tommy Morrison, Hector Camacho, Iran Barkley, Wayne McCollough and Glenn Johnson. Sought after by many trainers and boxers, Rodgers honed his craft over the years and was inducted into the third class of the USA Boxing Hall of Fame, in the same class that included Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard and Sen. John McCain, because as he put it, he "had stuff that could hold two drops of water together".
Rodgers also was honored in the National Golden Gloves and Silver Gloves halls of fame, the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, where he told a local sportscaster, "The Arkansas Hall of Fame is as much fun as you can have with your clothes on", the Arkansas Sports Writers Hall of Fame and the Conway Sports Hall of Fame. He coached the USA Boxing Team three times.
Having dinner out with Poppy, Butterball, Ray, Darrell or Coach, whatever name you knew him by, because as he would say "call me whatever you want, just don't call me late for dinner", was like meeting a who's who of Arkansas. Business leaders, politicians, athletes, high school buddies and fans would often want to shake his hand and regale friends with stories about how they knew each other and the shenanigans and adventures they encountered.
Despite all of his work running a business and running much of amateur boxing in the United States, he raised three children. When he wanted to relax, quiet weekends at Lake DeGray were common with Momma Carole and his friends on the dock or working on his vast collections of antique fishing lures, Jewel Tea china, Civil War history and more.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Sally Rodgers, in 1987; his second wife, Carole Minor Rodgers, in 2019; his daughter, Dawn Michelle Endres, in 2005; his brothers, David in 1996 and Dale in 2011. He is survived by his son, Michael David Rodgers (wife, Jennifer) of Nolensville, TN; his daughter, Lisa Douglas of Furlow, AR; grandchildren, Brandon Mazander (wife, Heather) of Little Rock; Adam Mazander of San Francisco; Sarah Mazander (husband, Glen) of Judsonia and Ashley Endres Maier (husband, Jordan) of Stuttgart; Dakota Douglas (wife, Megan); stepdaughter, Cheryl Ringgold (husband, Larry) of Sherwood, AR and stepson, Ray Minor (wife, Tacy) of Fayetteville, AR. He also is survived by sisters, Judy Rodgers Stell of Vilonia and Donna Rodgers Dillahunty (husband, Doyle) of Little Rock.
Visitation is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 at Markham Street Baptist Church, 9701 W. Markham St. in Little Rock. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. at the church and military burial will be at 1 p.m. at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander.
Arrangements under the direction of Roller-Owens Funeral Home in North Little Rock.
In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations in Ray Rodgers' honor be sent to the National Silver Gloves and the Mid-South Golden Gloves, PO Box 236, 923 Oldham Drive, Nolensville, TN 37135.
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28 Condolence(s)
Mark Rodgers Sr
Friday, November 18, 2022
See you in the next life uncle Ray. U will be missed and hope you trained them well enough to replace you in the corner. Rodgers through and through! Always.
Mark Rodgers Sr
Friday, November 18, 2022
See you in the next life uncle Ray. U will be missed and hope you trained them well enough to replace you in the corner. Rodgers through and through! Always.
Terrie Schulx
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
I met Mr. Rogers in 1987 he was Amazing man. May prayers are with you Michael
John lewis
Friday, November 11, 2022
Butterball and I lived on the same side of the tracks and played football togeather and became good friends. On and off of the field, I couldn’t have asked for a better friend, I am sure I will be seeing him again soon, so sorry for our loss!!!!
John Jennings
Thursday, November 10, 2022
RIP Coach. Great man who left a great legacy.
Timothy Avants
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
Ray Rogers was the epitome of everything it means to be called “COACH!â€
RIP Coach
Jimmy Hooten
Sunday, November 6, 2022
Ray was a dear friend for many years and we had some good times together. In 2020 I had heart bypass surgery and Butterball would call me almost every day to cheer me up and tell me he was praying for my recovery. He was a very special man, our loss is Heaven's gain...RIP my friend!
Sparky McDuffie
Saturday, November 5, 2022
RIP old friend!
Alex Guajardo
Saturday, November 5, 2022
Coach Ray, we will all miss you. You taught me, even while getting beat up - “never stop swinging, you might get luckyâ€.
Our prayers for Michael and family will continue and I know Ray is very proud of y’all. I will always love coach Ray and it’s one of the highest honors of my life to have been on one of his old boxing teams.
Tom Rodgers
Saturday, November 5, 2022
Cousin Ray (Darrell) is the most well known of our extended family. He lived a good long life and most importantly was a positive impact on countless individuals, mostly young, but many adults also. I am proud to be related to you.
RIP: it was well earned!
Tom, Cindy, Troy and Coni Rodgers
David Curran
Friday, November 4, 2022
It was an honor meeting Ray while working on the documentary episode about him for Arkansas PBS "Men and Women of Distinction". Ray was certainly a man of distinction. Such a fine and selfless man is rare to find and a great loss to the world. His love for kids and his wit, wisdom and humor will be greatly missed but always remembered. My sincere condolences to all his family and loved ones.
Joel & Janet Beasley
Friday, November 4, 2022
I knew Ray for over fifty years in Boxing. He will always be in my heart and mind; he was truly a special man. He was at the top of the list for admiration and respect from myself and everyone that knew him. I always, always looked forward to being around him, needing to be on my toes for some "play on words and wit". I am thankful for every minute I was able to be with him, along with the joy in my heart and a giant smile on my face. There just aren't enough good words to say about him or all he brought and gave to Boxing. It is amazing to think about all the lives he touched and all he gave them for the better. Mike and Lisa, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours. May God be with you, Joel & Janet
Linda Havens Smith
Friday, November 4, 2022
Butterball, there was never another one like you. You were unique and special, with a soft heart. You and Leon (my deceased husband) were buddies since 7th grade in Conway, and remained fast friends until his death in 2012. He boxed with you, ran the streets with you , and just loved you. You even worked for him til you started your own company. Our hearts are broken that you're no longer with us, but I'm sure Leon will keep you company in Heaven. My sympathy goes out to all your kids, grandkids, sisters, and all who loved you as we did. Rest in peace---your work on earth is done. We will surely miss you, Linda Havens Smith
Ron and Janice (Rodgers) Scott
Friday, November 4, 2022
Several times in the gone by years we have had the pleasure of enjoying the company of Ray and Carole at Rodger's family reunions in Kansas.
There's always a small void left when a life well lived has ended.
Our sincere condolences.
Mary A. Maggart
Friday, November 4, 2022
Loved this man. I’m happy I got to know him and sweet Momma Carole. RIP Poppy Cricket! 💜💜💜
Randall Dykes
Thursday, November 3, 2022
My heart goes out to the Rodgers family. I boxed for Ray in the early 80s in a broke down gym with a makeshift ring and almost no equipment, but was blessed to be taught by the finest trainer and man I have ever meet to this day. The only man in the world that you’ll never hear a bad word about. Heaven is a better place now.
Randall Dykes
Steve Harderman
Thursday, November 3, 2022
Having been in Ray's presence I am glad I am not Alzheimer's disease ,because I know Ray fought it like a champ. Condolences to the family
Billy Coker
Thursday, November 3, 2022
High school buddies Tommy Williams, “Butter Ball†and I met for coffee once
a year for many years to catch up with what was going on in our lives. We had
many good laughs along the way. I will certainly miss my dear friend.
My prayers go out to his family, but please remember, he brought much
laughter and joy into many lives. He will not be forgotten.
Billy Coker
Kim Tatera
Thursday, November 3, 2022
My deepest condolences to the family; I know he will be greatly missed. Poppy was a good man, and always had a smile on his face. Keep the memories close as they will comfort you. God Bless and keep you all. Kim
JACK PATTERSON
Thursday, November 3, 2022
Ray coached my softball team in 1977 & 1978, never forget the memories we made those years, one of the finest man i ever knew. Rest in Peace Sir!
Paul Rodgers
Thursday, November 3, 2022
Cousin Ray, Even though I didnt get to visit with you as much as I would have liked in our lives, I always enjoyed being around you, whenever we had special occasions, you made me laugh, and our grandkids smile, you brought joy to everyone, I will always cherish our memories together, We will always miss you, but because of our Heavenly Father's promise, We will see you again some day, Paul & Starrlyt Rodgers Family.
Jerry Earnhart
Thursday, November 3, 2022
Rogers family, I am truly sadden to hear of my friend Darrell’s passing. I first met Darrell in 1968 when I enlisted in Troop E 151st Cav. in Conway. We became fast friends and have remained in touch through the years. He was a real joy to know and be around. May the Lord be with your family in this time.
William E,,, EDDIE Howard
Thursday, November 3, 2022
I was blessed to have met Ray when we started up a boxing club for the AAU,, Ray worked very hard with me to show us the ropes of working the ring and leading the children in the *fights of life* . Ray touched many people from a very young age to even the older parents of those young children from the streets.. I was also blessed to be with him when he had his second marriage...worked with him in many times of state and even the nationals held in Las Vegas for the Golden Gloves.. RAY Butterball Rodgers will for sure be missed in the fights of life and the Golden Gloves.. I gained a lot from Ray as he was always a very sharing person. Ray reached many a young child and for sure dropped many a tear for the ones he ^lost^ to the streets.. there will never be a replacement for RAY RODGERS,, he is one of a kind..Heaven has a new star to shine .....
Billie J Abbott
Thursday, November 3, 2022
Lisa, Dakota & family,
I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Praying for comfort from our Lord. Record your memories while they are still fresh, because time will fade them as it goes by. Love you!
Billie Jean
Barry Travis
Thursday, November 3, 2022
I had many occasions to work Ray since I was ED of Statehouse Convention Center. Ray was one of the funniest men I ever met! He was totally dedicated to the sport of boxing and a sincere friend. My condolences to his family.
Margaret Srygley
Thursday, November 3, 2022
I am so sorry for your dad’s death. I want to tell you what I know about this wonderful man. Years ago, before he was known for supporting and leading the boxing community, your dad sold insurance. He came to my parents’ house to collect their insurance payment. He would always make sure their stop was his last. He would then enjoy a plate of food my mom had prepared. My mom was a fabulous Italian cook so would offer spaghetti and meatballs and more. My parents looked forward to these visits because your dad was a good and honest man. My dad took great pride in watching your dad’s boxing career develop and thrive. Your dad was a good man, above and beyond his professional endeavors. Peace to you, Margaret Srygley, Little Rock
Clyde Paulk
Thursday, November 3, 2022
I am sad to hear of Ray's death. He was a very special person.
Travis Acklin
Wednesday, November 2, 2022
I was a year ahead of "Butterball" in Conway Schools since Jr. High. We played football together in High School and after graduation, served in the Arkansas National Guard.
"Rodgers" gave me a little grief as Commander of Troop E, 151 Cav., then SGT Rodgers became a valuable asset to the unit. We remained friends long after our military service seeing each other from time to time, then lost touch. I remember well Darrell being the speaker at First Sergeant Tom Mabry's funeral. He did an outstanding job.