Dennis Rogers

On November 5, 2026, Dennis Rogers reached his final earthly milestone at home with his family and trusted canine by his side.

Over his 86-year journey, the world knew Dennis as a husband, father, and grandfather. He was a University of Michigan Dearborn Wolverine, a Western Michigan Bronco and a University of Cincinnati Bearcat. He was a Tau Kappa Epsilon member, a mentor, a business leader, a foster parent, and an enthusiastic choir member.

A Detroit-native, Dennis was known for his dry wit, high standards, and strong ethics. He never met a budget he couldn’t balance, a stranger he wouldn’t befriend, and a worthy cause he wouldn’t fight for. In his youth, Dennis loved adrenaline, riding motorcycles, roller coasters, snowmobiles, and even tractors. He was an avid sports fan and closely followed every Detroit team.

Dennis was extremely proud of his family. He treasured time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was always able to settle any restless or colicky infant. Dennis prided himself on a crisply clipped lawn and a show-stopping Christmas display. Even a weeks-long Michigan blizzard without power was no match for Dennis, who brought his neighborhood together with a generator and a dazzling holiday lights display.

Dennis loved playing cards, especially Euchre and Poker, and cherished teaching his grandchildren the games he enjoyed. Among his favorite meals were true Michigan classics: Coney dogs, Honey Nut Cheerios, and chocolate cake with a side of ice cream and too much Sanders chocolate sauce.

Dennis was always active in the communities where he lived and worked. His journey took him through Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina, Florida, and finally back to South Carolina.

Over his life, Dennis poured his passion into the family business of Rogers Electric, political office, the Electrical Apparatus Service Association, Small Business Administration, and Aiken downtown revitalization district. Dennis worked with every beloved community to help them grow and be the best they could be.

Dennis cared intensely about teaching and the students whose lives he touched. As a business professor at the University of South Carolina in Aiken, his stories of community, family, and wisdom brought students into the classroom. We certainly wouldn’t recommend arriving late to one of his class lectures. As Vice President at Aiken Technical College, he fought hard building the campus and college to benefit students and community for decades to come.

Above all, Dennis’s core values were always simple and true: family and stewardship.

To us, he was Pamela’s constant companion, best friend, and husband. He was Dad, Mr. D, Bumpa, Grandpa, Denny, Grandpa Dennis, “That Guy,” the parrot on Sophia’s shoulder, and the GOAT (Greatness of All Time).

Over the last several years, Dennis fought multiple aggressive cancers. He was determined to get every last mile out of his lease before returning his body to the dealership. He fought with determination to the end. Our gratitude goes out to Lutheran Hospice Midlands for their support in easing his passing.

We are heartbroken by his absence. Dennis will be missed dearly. We are grateful for his long and full life and comforted knowing he is free.

Dennis is survived by Pam, his best friend and bride of over 60 years. He leaves behind his 2-year-old cockapoo, three children, two children-in-law, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters, Nancy and Victoria, his brother, Darrell and sister-in-law, Dawn.

We have chosen to have a private celebration of life and hope you’ll find a time to honor Dennis’s life and legacy. Spread kindness and support to others around you. Make a connection by chatting with a stranger. Make someone smile by telling them a classic “Dad” joke.

Family and music always brought a smile to his face. Help us make a child’s world a little brighter by donating to Child’s Play and/or Save the Music. (We prefer this over flowers.)

CHILD’S PLAY https://childsplaycharity.org

Child’s Play Charity delivers therapeutic games and technology directly to pediatric hospitals to improve patients’ lives through the power of play.

SAVE THE MUSIC https://www.savethemusic.org

Save The Music is a national music education charity that helps public schools restore music programs and ensure all students can benefit from a high-quality education.