Cochran – William Benjamin "Ben" Rogers, Sr., age 85, passed away Tuesday, April 4, 2023 in Bryant Health and Rehabilitation Center in Cochran. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 7, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. in Cochran First Baptist Church with Rev. Keith Rustin and Rev. Clyde Evans officiating. Burial will be private in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Coach Rogers was born in Bainbridge, Georgia on January 17, 1938. He was the son of the late Mr. C.B. Rogers and Mrs. Annie Estelle Martin Rogers. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Mrs. Glenda Lynn Rogers and his sisters, Mary Alice Lanton and Scarborough Lee Scott. Coach Rogers grew up in Decatur County. He was a 1956 graduate of Bainbridge High School where he lettered in football from 1952-1956 and was All State in 1955-1956. He earned a Football Scholarship to Troy State University where he lettered in football from 1956-1960 and tennis in 1960. In 1960, he married the love of his life, Ms. Glenda Starling. He was the head basketball coach at Crisp County High School before He and Mrs. Glenda moved to Cochran in 1968, when he became the head basketball coach and athletic director at Middle Georgia College. Coach Rogers spent the rest of his career at Middle Georgia College. He retired from coaching in 1993 but remained the athletic director until 1995 and as an Associate Professor of Math until 2000. While at Middle Georgia, Coach Rogers had many accomplishments. He was the Georgia Coach of the Year seven times. His 1978 and 1980 basketball teams won the region championships and were invited to the NJCAA National Tournament. He was named Region 17 Director of NJCAA in 1981. He coached the Georgia Junior College All Star Team in 1993. He received a Certificate of Service Award from the NJCAA in 1996. He was named "The Winningest Georgia Junior College Basketball Coach" in 1997, having won a total of 468 games at Middle Georgia College. He was inducted into the NJCAA Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998. During his 25 years at Middle Georgia College, he coached seven All-Americans and signed 140 players to four year schools. He was also appointed Associate Professor Emeritus of Math & Physical Education by the Board of Regents in 1999. After retiring, he spent his time with Mrs. Glenda and his family. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and being around his grandchildren. He was a member of Cochran First Baptist Church and the Charles Barrow Sunday School Class and Oneness.

He is survived by his daughter, Jackie Rogers (Scott) Maske of Bonaire; his son, Benjy (Dana) Rogers of Cochran; grandchildren, Jake (Sarah) Smith, Dallas (Shelby) Kirksy, Lacey (Skeeter) Dixon, Tyler (Kali) Rogers, Hannah (Coby) Roberts and Haley (Conner) Spinks; great-grandchildren, Luke Smith, Abby Kirksy, Aiden Kirksy Cullen Dixon, Carder Dixon, Brooks Rogers, Bowdyn Rogers, Hadley Roberts, Lainey Spinks, and Levi Spinks; several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Cochran Playground Fund, 101 SE 2 ^nd St, Cochran, GA 31014.

The family will greet friends after the service Friday at Cochran First Baptist Church.