Mr. Milford "Tin Man" Rodgers

Milford Randolph Rodgers was born on August 27, 1947 in Martin County to the late Willie Alexander Rodgers and the late Mary Howell Rodgers Whitfield. Milford lost his battle to leukemia on August 14, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family and close friends. Milford attended the Martin County Schools and joined Cedar Hill Missionary Baptist Church at an early age. He worked on the family’s farm for many years before going to work at Sampson Shirt Factory in Washington, NC. Milford married Delores Moore in 1968 and to this union, Lakeisha, one loving daughter was born. He later married Theoza Miller and they remained friends until his death. Milford found his true companion in truck driving when he started driving with Thurston Motor Lines, then Consolidated Freights, and later purchased his own truck and went into business for himself. The truckers all knew him as “Tin Man” and he spent most of his time pulling logs and chips for Bateman Logging Company. Milford had many things he was passionate about, but owning and operating M. R. Rodgers Enterprises was his heart. The hope of returning to his truck driving career carried him through the difficult times of his treatments. In addition to being a hard worker, Milford loved animals and would feed any stray animal that came into his yard. His dog, “Midnight,” was hit by a car and he never got another but spent lots of time with other people’s animals. He loved nice things and kept his house as neat as a pin. Milford, being the eldest brother, felt he was always in charge and was the boss in our family. If there is one thing we should remember about Milford, it would be his unshakable faith and hope. No matter what anyone would tell him, he believed, hoped, and worked to make what he wanted to happen. Milford would never give up. And even with his disease, he never gave up. He fought until the end. Milford leaves to cherish his memories, one daughter, Lakeisha Rodgers of Williamston, NC; two sisters, Dorothy Hickman and Ontra Reddick (Darnell) who was more like a brother than an in-law of Williamston, NC; four brothers, Samuel Rodgers and Horace Rodgers both of Williamston, NC, Johnny Rodgers of Raleigh, NC and Vernell Rodgers (Cynthia) of Windsor, NC; one aunt, Margaret Howell of Williamston, NC; a special friend who prayed Milford’s last prayer with him, Eric “Dick” Pullen; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Mr. Milford "Tin Man" Rodgers

August 27, 1947 - August 14, 2022