He was born in San Jose, California on Feb. 17, 1944, to June Brian and Roy Rodgers. He was raised by his loving mother and stepfather James Brian. William grew up in Concord, California, and graduated from Mt. Diablo High School. He joined the Air Force and moved to Maine, where he met his beautiful bride Nancy Frost. William and Nancy were married for 54 years and raised four children.
William’s favorite activities were watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports activities and auto racing. He loved to fish and spend time with his dogs, Baxter and Charlie. He was an avid tennis player and enjoyed competing in local tennis tournaments. He was an amazing father and grandfather and his smile was contagious.
As a young boy, he spent many summers with his Aunt Nellie in San Jose.
William was preceded in death by his mother June, his father Roy, his stepfather James and grandparents Norma and William Lang.
William is survived by his wife, Nancy Rodgers; son, William D. Rodgers and his wife Kim; daughters, Cheryl McKee and her husband Wayne, Kathy Bearden and her partner John, and Tracy Libby and her husband Edward; his 11 grandchildren, Joe, Kylee, Chase, Bruce, James, Chris, Madison, Mackenzie, Tyler, Evan and Ian; one great-grandchild, Sophia; sisters, Suzanne Swindall and Linda O’Brian; brother, Jimmy Brian; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
William will be sadly missed and happily remembered by his family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held on June 17, 2018
In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, contributions in William’s memory may be made to Maine Veterans Home, 290 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074
To view William’s memorial page or to leave online condolences for the family, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com.
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