Dr. Gaines M. Rogers

Dr. Gaines M. Rogers of Cookeville, Tenn., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at Heritage Pointe Assistant Living in Cookeville. He was 94.

Dr. Rogers was born in Belton, S.C. on June 11, 1918, son of the late Cora (Gaines) and James Duckworth Rogers. He was a member of the U.S. Army, receiving the Good Conduct Medal. He received his BS from Clemson University and his MA and PhD from the University of Virginia.

He served as Chairman of Economics at Baylor University. He also served as Dean of the School of Business Administration at Wake Forest University for 20 years and as the Dean of the College of Business & Industry at Mississippi State for 14 years. He was of the Baptist and Presbyterian faith and was a devoted, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Dr. Rogers is survived by daughters, Cita R. Pickett of Cookeville and Liza R Killough and husband, Barry, of Martinez, Ga.; granddaughters, Beth Pickett Jones and husband, Joseph, of Huntsville, Ala., Becky Pickett of Cookeville, Laurel Killough Canipe and husband, Ryan, of Martinez, Ga.; grandson, Joseph Gaines Killough and wife, Jennifer, of Martinez, Ga.; and three great grandchildren, Matthew Jones, Cameron Killough and Brenna Canipe.

He was blessed by his relationship with the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of his second wife.

In addition to his family, his final years were enriched by the loving residents and staff at Heritage Pointe.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife of 45 years, Betty P. Rogers; second wife of 18 years, Algene Davis Rogers; son-in-law, Gary C. Pickett; and several brothers and sisters.

Private family graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 7, at Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery with Brother Charlie Hutchinson officiating.

Go to www.crestlawnmemorial.com to sign the online guest book and send a message to his family.

Crest Lawn Funeral Home-Cremation Center was in charge of arrangements.