Big Stone Gap, VA-James William “Bill” Rogers, born October 21, 1938, in Big Stone Gap, passed away on March 27, 2026 at Lonesome Pine Hospital. Leaving behind a lifetime of love, strength and cherished memories.
A lifelong resident of Big Stone Gap, Bill was deeply rooted in the community he loved and served.
Bill was a man known for his steady presence, quiet strength, and hardworking spirit. In 1960, Bill and his father found a small gas station, and from that humble beginning, a family business was born. What started on a small corner grew into a lasting enterprise that spanned decades and multiple locations. After 31 years at that original station, Bill moved operations to Rogers Tower near the federal courthouse, and later, in 1997, to a former Appco convenience store, continuing to build on the legacy he had created.
His dedication and commitment to his work and community did not go unnoticed. Bill was honored as Big Stone Gap’s Businessman of the Year, a reflection of both his success and the respect he earned from those around him. In an interview, he once said, “When I was a kid, I always wanted one of those toy gas stations. I didn’t know I’d get a real one. People have been good to us over the years.” That humility and gratitude stayed with him throughout his life.
Even after retirement, Bill’s work was never truly finished. After being home for a couple of years, he would often say he “couldn’t get the gasoline out of his veins,” and he returned to work at Food City Gas ‘N Go. True to form, at every location, Bill made it a point to go out and pump gas for what he affectionately called his “little old ladies.” Taking care of people—especially in those small, thoughtful ways—was simply who he was.
Music was a lifelong passion for Bill. He played the tuba in his high school band and went on to perform for many years with the Jerome Street Ramblers, a Dixieland jazz band. Known for his rich, beautiful bass voice, he also loved to sing. In his earlier years, he shared his love of music as a DJ at a local radio station.
Bill and his wife are members of Trinity United Methodist Church where they sang in the church choir for many years.
Bill had a deep love for sports and recreation. He was a devoted fan of University of Tennessee football and basketball, enjoyed NASCAR racing, and had a special passion for golf. Some of his most cherished times were spent on the golf course with his two sons.
He also loved the beach, a place close to his heart where he and his wife, Donna, were married. Together, they shared a love of travel, making treasured memories as they explored much of the United States in an RV alongside his sister and brother-in-law
Bill was the oldest of 9 siblings, Irene Gullion (Larry) Janice Mohn, Leonard Rogers, Brenda Hall (Gene), Donnie Rogers, Cindy Watkins, David Rogers (Kathy) and Roy Rogers.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Donna Rogers; his loving children, Jim Rogers (Kim) and Chris Rogers (Crystal); and his stepchildren, Brady Bunch (Emily Gibson) and Kristi Gibson (Tony). Bill was also a proud grandfather to his grandchildren, Michael, Brittany, Austin, Tanner, and Logan; and step-grandchildren, Taylor, Brandon, Bailey, Bradley, Braxton, and Tony. He was the proud great-grandfather of eight great-grandchildren.
Bill was preceded in death by his first wife of 30 years, Faye Rogers; his parents, Bill and Margaret Rogers; his brothers, Donnie and Roy Rogers; his sister, Irene Gullion; and his great-grandchild, Braylee Sluss.
To his family, Bill was the heart and foundation—a source of strength, guidance, and unconditional love. He will be remembered not only for his accomplishments, but for the way he showed up for the people in his life—with loyalty, generosity, and quiet kindness.
Though he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in the business he built, the community he served, and the countless lives he touched through simple acts of care and compassion.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Special thanks to Kaitlin PA ,Nurses Alyssa, Eva, Kaylee, Meghan, Darlene, Savannah and all others who cared for him.
A Celebration of Life will take place at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave., W., Big Stone Gap., VA on Tuesday, March 31,2026. Visitation from 12:00pm - 2:00pm, with a service at 2:00pm with Pastor Ben Harding and Pastor Tim Robinson officiating. An entombment service will follow at the Glencoe Cemetery Mausoleum. Friends and family are welcome to attend a gathering at Bill and Donna ‘s home following entombment.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Rogers family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.