of Batesville, AR

October 25, 1947 - December 9, 2024

Larry Edwin Rodgers, a brilliant man, left his earthly body on Monday, December 9, 2024. Born on October 25, 1947, his lifelong pursuit of knowledge began early in life. Larry's interests were varied and eclectic, embracing literature in every form, music across all genres and theater, from high school performances to Broadway's grand stage. A true Renaissance man, his passions were as diverse as they were deep.

Like many before him, Larry devoted himself to sharing his vast knowledge with others. After obtaining a master's degree in English, he embarked on a 43-year teaching journey. Many of those years were spent teaching math, obviously. Students consistently deemed him their favorite teacher and a source of inspiration for future math educators. Even after 40 years, they still reach out to express his enduring impact.

Larry had other passions as well. He loved to take $20 and turn it into $200. And what better way to do that than at the dog track. A winning night was rare, but his daughters always hoped that they would find a $20 bill under their pillow from the ''dog fairy'' come Sunday morning.

Another passion was computer programming. Larry was ahead of his time and quickly became well-versed in whatever programming language was current. He took a football board game and turned it in to a lifelong obsession of computer code that lives on to this day. Many nights and weekends were spent in front of a green screen trash talking family and friends about their inept coaching abilities. As the one and only commissioner of the universal football league, Larry enjoyed holding court on any given day. His daughters felt he could have been rich. Unfortunately, he bet on Commodore 64 and not Apple.

Larry was an only child and yet his cousins were brothers and sisters. His former students became best friends. He was always the loudest and the smartest person in the room. His laugh was infectious and his eyes a piercing blue.

Larry would proclaim himself a genius, which was a true statement. His favorite thing to say was the last time he was wrong ''it rained 40 days and 40 nights''. Blasphemous maybe, funny always.

Never one to shy away from controversy, Larry liked to make a fool of himself while watching sports. Even more so if one of his two daughters were playing in the game. He coached many softball and basketball teams throughout his life. And no one really knows how many times he received a technical or was thrown out of a game.

Larry was lucky enough to meet his wife of fifty-seven years at the age of fifteen. Although he almost lost her foolishly, he found her accidentally on purpose while wandering around campus after five months of searching. She would soon become his bride and a saint for putting up with his shenanigans.

Though the past few years have cruelly stripped away his mind, those who knew him will tell you that he was: a teacher, a comedian, an author, a mathematician, a dungeon master, a coach, a trivial pursuit champion, a friend, a game creator, ''The Bruin'' and the smartest man they ever met.

Survivors include his wife, Florence (Collier) Rodgers; two daughters, Laura Nix (Heath) of Batesville, Arkansas, Melinda Johnson (Tommy) of Keller, Texas; one step-brother, William Gregory, Jr. of Nashville, Tennessee; six grandchildren, Colten Nix (Paige) of Benton, Chase Nix (Allison) of Alexander, Cord Nix of Batesville, Nicholas Johnson (Cheyenne) of Benton, Riley Johnson of Keller, Texas, Wyatt Johnson of Keller, Texas, five great-grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Rodgers and Katie Ray and his stepfather, William Gregory, Sr.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 1:00pm at the Roller-Crouch Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Caring Hands Hospice Compassionate Fund Attn: Suzanne Dickett, 2000 Harrison St, Batesville, AR, 72501.

Sign Guestbook

1 Condolence(s)