Surrounded at home by his loving family, William Franklin “Buster” Rogers, Jr., passed away peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Friday, May 9, 2025. He was born in Fork, South Carolina on July 17, 1940, the son of the late William Franklin, Rogers, Sr. and the late Margaret Bullock Rogers.
Buster was a remarkable man, devoted to his family, loyal to his friends, faithful to God, and always eager to help anyone who needed it. He was born and raised in the Fork community and was fortunate to be able to call it home all his life. A graduate of Lake View High School, he was a passionate fan of the Wild Gators sports teams. He loved cheering them on and rarely missed a game. For thirty-seven years, Buster worked for DuPont in Florence. The skills and experiences he gained there allowed him to continue to serve the community and beyond as a member of the Board of Trustees of MPD Electric Cooperative and CEEUS. He also served as the chaplain for the MPD Cooperative.
A lifelong fisherman, Buster found immense pleasure and fulfillment along the banks of the Little Pee Dee River. His love for the river went beyond the dark water, as he cherished the peacefulness of the river, cooking a mess of fresh caught redbreasts, and being with family and friends. His love of nature extended to another hobby-the intricate work of beekeeping. From this hobby was born, Sweet Rogers Honey, which he gladly shared with others. Buster also enjoyed being outdoors caring for his fruit trees. He was a devoted member of Fork Masonic Lodge #258 and served as Past Master of the Lodge and District Deputy Grand Master of the 28th Masonic District, as well as holding other titles through the years. He was proud to be a Mason and valued their beliefs. Buster was a lifelong member of Fork Baptist Church. He cultivated many lifelong friendships through his involvement in both his career and personal life.
Throughout everything, Buster’s greatest joy came from his family. Buster and his beloved wife, Irene, spent 62 loving years together in Fork building a life and a family full of love and cherished memories. Today they find peace in knowing he is free from pain and rejoicing in the presence of the Almighty.
In addition to his parents, Buster was predeceased by a sister, Gayle McKenzie.
He is survived by his wife, Irene Tyndall Rogers; daughters, Nancy Dale Salmons (Jim), Beth Greene (Glenn), and Cathy Turner (Russ); seven grandchildren, Lance White (Ashley), Kristine Stuckey (Scott), Rachel Brown, Jessie Brown, Russ Turner, Jr. (Coulliette), Cassie Hughes (Zack), and Kiersten Turner; great-grandchildren, Mitch, Paisley, and Emma, and a longtime special friend, Mitch Scott.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Meares Funeral Home in Mullins. A funeral service with Masonic rites will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, May 11th at Fork Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the cemetery of the church.
If you would like to remember Buster, the family suggests that donations be made in his memory to Fork Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Mitch Scott, 3326 Buck Swamp Road, Fork, South Carolina 29543.
An online guestbook is available at www.mearesfh.com.
Meares Funeral Home has been given the honor of serving the family.
