Thomas J Rogers

Thomas J. Rogers ("Tom"), 77 of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina passed away on Monday, March 31. Tom was born on August 8, 1936, the son of Mary Dorothy Bell and Alexander Paul Rogers. He graduated with a BBA degree from Wake Forest University in 1958, an AAS degree from Devry Technical Institute in 1960, and served 12 years in the North Carolina Air National Guard attaining the rank of Captain. During his 48 years in Myrtle Beach, he has been involved in a number of Business and Civic organizations. Tom was owner of WKZQ radio station and president of the Grand Strand Broadcasting Corporation from 1966 to 1999. During this time, he was president of Grand Strand Broadcasters Association, and President of Grand Strand Press Association, and continues to be Secretary - Treasurer and part owner of the Strand Media Group. Tom was also founding stockholder and served as Director of Anchor Bank from 1974 to 2000. He was a Director of the South Financial Group (Carolina First Bank) and served on the board of Directors from 2000 to 2004. In 1978, Tom became Director of Florence-based ACS Technologies and held the position of President at the time of his passing. In addition to his successful business career, Tom was very focused on community involvement. He served as president of Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, president of Myrtle Beach Rotary Club and Treasurer of Myrtle Beach Area Junior Golf Association, as well as Chairman of the Board of COMBO (Council of Myrtle Beach Organizations). Tom was recognized for his hard work and his drive to improve the Myrtle Beach community. He was awarded Grand Strand Citizen of the Year in 1975, Small Business Person of the Year in 2002, Order of the Palmetto, the state's highest civilian honor in 2004, and the Ashby Ward Pioneer Award in 2006 which is presented to the individual who has made a significant impact on the Myrtle Beach area. Tom was an avid golfer, a member of the Dunes Golf and Beach Club and the Sandbaggers. He is survived by his wife Suzette France Rogers, his son and daughter-in-law Thomas James Rogers, Jr. ("Tommy") and Tracey Deadmon Rogers of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, his daughter and son-in-law Allison Rogers McKee and David Graham McKee of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren Tyler James and Travis Lyn Rogers of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Haley Elizabeth and Lauren Margaret McKee of Atlanta, Georgia; and brothers William Boyd Rogers ("Bill") of Boone, North Carolina and Alexander Paul Rogers ("Paul") of Tabor City, North Carolina. A memorial service will be held at 4pm Thursday, April 3, 2014 at McMillan-Small Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Tee of the Grand Strand PO Box 4806, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597 or The Grand Strand Miracle League PO Box 7503, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572. An online guestbook is available at www.msfh.net.

Thomas J Rogers

August 8, 1936 - March 31, 2014