William Forbes Rodgers

William Forbes Rodgers, 69 of Saucier, passed away at his home February 23, 2023. He was born November 17, 1953 in Memphis, TN, the third of six children to John F. and Elizabeth (Doggett) Rodgers, He grew up in the small town of Lyon, MS where his parents had a cotton plantation. Bill and his younger brother would work and help his dad with the farm where driving tractors was his favorite part. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and other outdoors things. Bill attended and graduated from CCHS in Clarksdale, and not long after he decided to move to South MS. He was a commercial driver early on but had always thought about being in law enforcement. So he applied and was hired by Sheriff Larkin Smith with the Harrison County Sheriff's Department. Bill supervised a road crew primarily, but did plenty of patrol work as well, retiring after 22 years of service. In fact, he met his wife Donna there while she worked in transportation. They eventually were married and had spent the last thirteen years together. Bill called Saucier home for the last 40 years and still loved to hunt and fish whenever he could. He liked nothing more than taking the boat to Flint Creek in Wiggins with his family to relax and have fun. But anyone would tell you that his passion in life was his classic car. Bill had a red 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback that was his baby. He loved that car, kept her up, and never missed a Crusing the Coast event. He was a whiz when it came to repairs, and it didn't matter if it was a small thing or rebuilding an engine. Bill was a Christian by faith, loved the Lord, and just enjoyed being around people. He was friendly toward everyone and really never met a stranger. Bill was intrigued by history, enjoyed Crimson Tide football, and was passionate about the military, being very proud that his parents and brothers were veterans. He is fondly remembered as a simply wonderful, compassionate man that loved and cared for his family. A loving husband, Bill spoiled Donna and tried to do everything around the home so she could relax. There was rarely an idle moment for Bill, which is exactly what he wanted. He was just a special guy that was loved by his family and friends from all walks of life. To say that he will be sadly missed is definitely an understatement, but he has gone to be with his Lord and Savior, joining his friends and family who have gone on before him. Bill was preceded by his parents, John and Elizabeth Rodgers, and his brother Mark Rodgers. Left to cherish his memories are: his loving wife Donna; his children: Brad (Tasha) Rodgers of Gulfport and Stacy Rodgers of Saucier, with bonus children Jeremy Gray, also of Saucier, and Michael Hebert of FL; his siblings: Ferd Rodgers of Rena Lara, Richard Rodgers of Lambert, Katy Jackson of Lyon, and Elizabeth (Julie) Hughes of Hattiesburg. Bill leaves a legacy of one grandson, Jaxon Rodgers of Saucier, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Bill's final wishes were to be cremated and later interred with his family, which his family is honoring. Services will be held at Trinity Funeral Services McHenry location Thursday March 2, 2023. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by a chapel service at 2:00 PM. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Rodgers family in their time of need and asks that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.