Wednesday, October 14, 2026
By Submitted Story on October 1, 2026
David Earl Rogers Sr., a devoted husband, father, Pawpaw, friend, and lifelong servant of his community, passed away on September 30, 2026, just days shy of his 75th birthday.
Born on October 11, 1951, David was born and raised in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. In 1976, he made Wanchese his home, becoming a proud member of a community that he would spend the next 50 years serving, supporting, and loving.
David served four years in the United States Coast Guard and was stationed at Oregon Inlet. He often spoke with pride about those years and the men with whom he served—men he considered among the very best there have ever been. The friendships forged during that time lasted a lifetime.
Following his service in the Coast Guard, David continued a life centered around hard work and responsibility to others. He retired from Dominion Energy after 27 years of dedicated service to his community. To David, however, it was never simply a job. He never tired of the after-hours callouts because he understood people were depending on him. That was especially true each spring during soft-crab season. He knew that if the shedders weren’t operational, an industry and the families who depended upon it could suffer. When the call came, David answered. For him, keeping the power on was more than his occupation—it was his duty, and he took that responsibility seriously.
Over the years, David also enjoyed doing auto mechanic work on the side. Once again, what might have been work to someone else became another way for David to help his friends, neighbors, and community. Whether someone needed their power restored, a vehicle repaired, a helping hand, or simply someone they could count on, David found genuine pleasure in being there when he was needed. That was simply who he was.
David will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, and Pawpaw, but his role in the lives of others extended far beyond his immediate family. To many who shared no blood relation at all, he was affectionately known as “Uncle Dave” or “Daddy Dave.” Those names spoke to the place he held in their lives and to the kind of man he was—someone people trusted, respected, learned from, and looked up to.
For nearly seventy-five years, David built his legacy not through recognition or accolades, but through the lives he touched, the people he helped, the family he loved, and the community he faithfully served. His influence will continue through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, extended family, lifelong friends, and the many people who were fortunate enough to call him their own.
David was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Rogers; his father, Edward Rogers Sr.; and his brothers, Edward Rogers Jr. and Dwight Rogers.
He is survived by his beloved wife of more than fifty-six years, Mary Wescott Rogers; his children, Abbie Hayes (Dan), Maggie Sexton (Kennith), and David Rogers Jr. (Pam); and sister, Gloria Adams (John).
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Maranda Bayliss, RaeLee Mayo, Kelsea Sexton, MaKenna Sexton, Michael Rogers, and Samantha Rogers; step-grandchildren, Derek Davis and Whitney Goen; and great-grandchild, Kai Goen.
Above all, David Earl Rogers Sr. leaves behind the legacy of a life spent showing up—for his country, for his community, for his friends, and most importantly, for his family and that is a legacy that will not be forgotten.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who has been so supportive during these final days and weeks. Your love has been felt by us all and will never be forgotten.
A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Cudworth Cemetery. The family invites everyone to join them at the Whole Ministries Center in Wanchese, NC, immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that donations be made to Wanchese Christian Academy, PO Box 201, Wanchese NC 27981; or through the Wanchese Assembly of God giving app and designate WCA. A cash, check or credit card payment can also be dropped off to the office.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks, 500 Budleigh Street, Manteo, NC, is honored to serve the Rogers family. Condolences and memories may be shared on David’s obituary page at www.TwifordFH.com.
