Joseph Garrison Rodgers Jr.

Joseph Garrison Rodgers, Jr, affectionately known as “Joe-Joe”, a lifelong native of Cleveland, and a well-known community and business leader, passed away late Thursday evening in Naples, Florida. Joe was married to his wife Amy for 54 loving years. He lived a full life, loving others well along the way. Joe had too many friends to count. Growing up in Cleveland as a young boy, he played lots of sports and fell in love with the game of golf at an early age. He attended Bradley High School, where he played on the Varsity Basketball Team. At Bradley High School, Joe was President of the student body, where his nickname evolved into “Joe-Man.” Joe often woke up early before the school day to play a round of golf at the old Cleveland Country Club, where he was a life-long member. Joe attended the University of Tennessee Knoxville, where he was a member of Tennessee’s Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society. He was President of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, and a member of the Scarabbean Senior Secret Society. Joe graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1962. Joe served in the United States Army Reserves. He was honored recently in a ceremony in Naples for his service to his country. A prominent businessman in Cleveland, he began his career with Insurance Incorporated as an agent. In 1974, he shifted into residential real estate, finding his true passion in the marketplace, building life-long relationships with clients who became friends. After several successful years in residential real estate, Joe created and built a thriving commercial real estate development, brokerage and property management company, first known as Joe Rodgers & Associates; known today as Rodgers Group. Joe was a dedicated servant leader in his community. He was generous with his time and resources toward the betterment of Cleveland and Bradley County. Joe was President and Board Member of many local organizations, including Junior Achievement, Red Cross, March of Dimes, Kiwanis Club, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Ocoee Region, and he was past Chairman of the Cleveland and Bradley County United Way. He was a life-long member of Broad Street United Methodist Church, where he was baptized and married. Joe sang in the choir for a time and served in numerous leadership roles there. He was also involved with Rock Point Community Church in Chattanooga, and also active in North Naples Baptist Church in Naples, Florida. In Naples, he was a dedicated member of Men’s Golf Fellowship and Bible Study. He and Amy had friends from all over the world. Preceding him death was Joe G. Rodgers, Sr (Father), Frances Randolph Rodgers (Mother), Walter Lee “Buddy” Rodgers (Brother), Mollie Nelson Rodgers (Sister). He is survived by his wife Amy McNabb Rodgers, two sons, Garry (Lauren), Wes, and three grandsons Garrison W. Rodgers, Cole W. Rodgers, and Graeme W. Rodgers. Joe had many other extended family members and many, many close friends, all who he dearly loved. The family is receiving friends at the Museum Center at Five Points in Cleveland on Friday, March 31st from 4pm to 7pm. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations made to one of the following organizations: The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Ocoee Region, The Caring Place of Cleveland, or Hands of Love, USA, where Joe and Amy have adopted two girls from Uganda.