Terry Vernon Rogers, age 73, of Bowling Green, passed away Saturday, April 13, 2024.He was born November 7, 1950 to the late Vernon Rogers and Louise Sapp of Campbellsville, Kentucky. After graduating from Bowling Green High School, class of 1968, Terry attended WKU where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in history while a member of the ROTC program. After graduation, he joined the United States Army as a commissioned officer achieving the rank of Captain, and served his country for five years. Upon his return to Bowling Green, Terry joined his mother and father in-law in the restaurant business.
Terry worked in the Kentucky Fried Chicken and Taco Bell business from 1977 until he passed, growing the business up to 18 restaurants in Kentucky and Tennessee. He served on many boards and committees for the Association of Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchisees (AKFCF) over his career, including the national president in 2010-11. He considered the AKFCF to be his second family and truly loved the business and people with which he worked. He also loved his fellow Southeastern KFC Association franchise family.
Terry was a faithful Christian and a member of Faith Methodist Church. He lived each day devoted to his family and provided a laugh to anyone he was around. There was never a dull moment with Terry. He absolutely loved to cook and spent many hours in the kitchen. He was at his happiest when standing over a stove or grill with family sitting around the dinner table. During his spare time enjoyed playing golf, cheering on the Tennessee Titans and loved to travel with friends and family. He was also a proud member of the Mardi Gras Krewe of Bacchus, one of the most innovative Mardis Gras parades in New Orleans .
Terry is survived by his wife of 51 years, Janet Rogers; son Chris (Terri) Rogers, daughter Julie (David) Mantlo; grandchildren Matthew Rogers, Leah Rogers, Tyler Mantlo, Abby Mantlo, Lily Mantlo, and Noah Mantlo; mother Louise Huddleston; brother Jerry (Diana) Rogers. He was preceded in death by his father Vernon Rogers and sister Susan Turner Henry.
Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. Thursday, April 18th at the J. C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel and Friday, April 19th from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Faith Methodist Church. Funeral service will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. at the church with burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery.
Terry’s family would like to extend their appreciation to staff at Hospice of Southern Kentucky for the excellent care and compassion received. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hospice of Southern Kentucky.