Ernest Osbourne Rodgers (Ernie) passed away unexpectedly on the evening of May 14, 2019, at the age of 67. Ernie had been sick, both mentally and physically, for a very long time and is now resting and at peace alongside his best friend, his wife Linda Rodgers, who passed away in 2017.

Ernie was born on Nov. 27, 1951, in Americus, Ga., to John Edward Rodgers and Beulah Kathleen Womack Rodgers. He loved to reminisce about his childhood growing up in Andersonville and always spoke fondly of those friendships that remained so special to him.

After high school, Ernie joined the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was extremely passionate about classic rock ’n roll and a die-hard Rod Stewart fan. He also was not to go anywhere without his two loyal companions Rascal and Jasper. When Ernie was healthy, his greatest joys included gardening with his wife, educating his daughters on the history of rock music, hanging out at the “Cut Off,” and spending any time he could with his best friends Bob Ellis and Pat King.

Ernie is survived by his four children, Lesley Rhodes of Cordele, Ga., Jeff Pilcher of St. Augustine, Fla., Maggie R. Vallotton (Wesley) of Valdosta, Ga., and Betsy R. Vickers (Jacob) of Macon, Ga.; three grandchildren, Smith and Warner Vallotton of Valdosta, Ga., and Tate Vickers of Macon, Ga.

A committal will occur at a later time at the family lot at Pine Level Methodist Church Cemetery in Oglethorpe, Ga. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to K9s for Warriors at www.k9sforwarriors.org.  Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com.