David Rogers

David Rogers of Huntersville, died Wednesday, March 30, 2011, of brain cancer, surrounded by those who loved him. He was 65. He is survived by Pamela Burgess Rogers, the love of his life, his best friend and business partner for almost 40 years. His funeral is Sunday, April 3.

Survivors also include his sister, Nancy Rogers Hughes of Statesville, and brother, Dr. James T. Rogers Jr. and wife, Pamela, of New Orleans, and their beloved children; sister-in-law, Kathryn Burgess Godley and husband Fred of Cornelius; nieces Dr. Laura Hughes Ikuma and husband Dr. Kesh Ikuma, and Dr. Amy Hughes Radzom and husband Matthew.

Born to James Ted and Pauline Prevatte Rogers on April 10, 1945, his beloved parents preceded him in death. David was also the “son” of Bill and Esther Burgess whose love and esteem for him knew no bounds.

A preeminent real estate developer, he was an engineer; held unlimited general contractor licenses in North and South Carolina and possessed an extraordinary architectural prowess.

Mr. Rogers built the first high-rise in Charlotte (Bank of America Plaza) as well as countless office buildings and hotels in Nashville, Richmond and surrounding local areas, but his passion for historic preservation was realized after restoration of many of Charlotte’s finest historic structures.

The former Leland Hotel, Cadillac Building, Dunhill Hotel on Tryon Street, Query, Spivey, McGee Feed Store and old Central Motor Lines (now Museum of South) on College as well as the return of the Duke Mansion to its’ original splendor are just a few of the Charlotte area projects.

Rogers restored the historic district in Rock Hill to its former glory. His entrance into downtown Asheville as master developer for the Grove Arcade was perhaps the most significant and daunting project of his career.

Distinguished by prestigious honors and awards for excellence in preservation, building and architecture, perhaps the one closest and most dear to his heart is Gilead Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, the 225-year-old structure where he worshiped God. He was responsible for the restoration and preservation of his country church and on Sunday, April 3, his funeral service will be conducted in the sanctuary where the hand-hewn beams are pegged with wooden dowels amid exposed sun-dried brick that were made in the creek on the farm where he lived.

His beloved friends and prayer warriors that make up the Magnify ministry will be present also to sing praises to our Redeemer as we celebrate David’s home-going. Pastor and friend, Robert Hunter will conduct the service of witness to the resurrection at Gilead Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church Sunday, April 3, at 3 p.m. Visitation will occur on Saturday evening between 6 and 8 o’clock at Raymer Funeral Home. Burial is private.

If you would like to memorialize Mr. Rogers, you may do so with your gift to Gilead ARP Church, 15303 Beatties Ford Road, Huntersville, NC 28078.

Raymer Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.