Roy Mac Rogers

Roy Mac Rogers, 80, died on Labor Day, September 4, 2023 at his home with his daughters and wife by his side.  He didn’t go quietly. A tough, tenacious fighter since the day he was born, Roy struggled on with courage and sheer grit, determined to draw breath longer than any medical professional thought possible. He didn’t lose this battle - he won it. Visitation will take place from 5:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at Krestridge Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, Septmeber 8, 2023, in the Krestridge Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will follow in the City of Levelland Cemetery.

Roy was born in Dimmit, Texas, the middle child of what would eventually total seven children to Walter Lee and Isa Irene Rogers.  Big and strong, faster than he looked, and with a bit of a mean streak when he needed it, he found purpose beyond the farming and ranching life in Hereford, Texas in the boxing ring. As a teen in the 1960's,  he began his amateur  career after "whipping everybody in the gym including the coaches"  on his first attempt.  After a very successful amateur career, he advanced through the professional heavyweight ranks and built up a formidable record of 28-3, catching the eye of boxing observers across the country and becoming a favorite son of the west Texas, even fighting for the Texas State Golden Gloves Championship on the undercard for Muhammad Ali’s big fight in the Houston Astrodome.

It was during his boxing career that he married his "forever steady" of 58 years, Linda Bowlin of Brownfield.  When their family grew, he left behind the boxing life and continued his trade as an oilfield welder, although he continued to volunteer at the Boys Club assisting in training young fighters. Roy worked in the oilfields of west Texas where he "made a hand" every day,  developing a stellar reputation for quality work. It’s fitting that he passed on Labor Day because his work ethic and professional integrity were second to none; Roy gained a reputation for reliability and a willingness to go work in the worst of conditions when nobody else would.  Although poor health cut short his career, Roy spent his remaining days raising his children and caring for his beloved wife, his constant companion for his entire adult life.

Roy might have been a terror in the ring, but he was known throughout Levelland as a kind and gentle soul, always willing to lend a hand to anybody in need. He loved to read books and watch his beloved Cowboys play football, and he made a habit of frequenting restaurants around town. 

Roy was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings.  In addition to his bride, Linda, he is survived by his daughters, Bonnie Rogers and Bettina Rogers-Timmons, five grandchildren, Christopher, Thomas, Mirabella, Madeline, and Brysen, his granddog, Davis, a son, and a community of neighbors who were glad to call him friend.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Krestridge Funeral Home. (806)897-1111