Benjamin "Tinker" Carl Rogers Jr., age 78, of Reddick, Florida, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee to Doctor Carl Rogers and May Louise Williams Rogers. Mr. Rogers was raised in Shelbyville, Bedford County, Tennessee. Tinker attended Columbia Military Academy in his formative years and then graduated from Shelbyville Central High School in 1966. He moved to Jacksonville, Florida, to attend Massey Technical Institute and Business College and graduated in 1968 with a degree in Mechanical Drafting. Tinker spent the first half of his working years as a draftsman while raising his family. He moved to Reddick, Florida, in 1992 to chase his dream of turning a passion for blacksmithing into a self-employed business. Tinker's Forge was established in Irvine, Florida, in an original 1880s blacksmith shop and remained open for 30+ years until his retirement in 2024. He was an active member of the Florida Artist Blacksmith Association (FABA) and the Artist-Blacksmith's Association of North America (ABANA). He traveled the craft show and festival circuit as a demonstrator, educator, and mentor as he transitioned from Apprentice to Master blacksmith. Mr. Rogers is published in many newspapers and magazines while his works are displayed in many personal homes and public settings: i.e., museums, monasteries, casinos, and forts. He was an ambassador to the art and craft of ornamental blacksmithing. He always said, "I never shoed a horse." Tinker also had a passion for gardening, fishing, antique cars, animals, and anything that was fun. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jeanne Rogers Blessing; and brother, David Michael Rogers. Survivors include his daughters, Tina Marie Rogers Brazil (David) and Patricia LeAnne Rogers Sanders (Jon); grandchildren, Josiah Kahlil Gonsalves (Julie), Tyler Austin Sanders, and Halayna Isobel Sanders; brother, Doctor Gaylon Rogers (Donna); sister, Sharon Rogers Womble; former wife, Mary Lee Wolfe Lacey; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family, and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at "The Ranch" in Reddick, Florida, with a Tribute to Tinker at 1:00 p.m. Please email trish.sanders888@gmail.com for details of the gathering. Per his wishes, he will be cremated and interred at Willow Mount Cemetery in Shelbyville, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, please donate in his memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or you may give online at www.stjude.org. Cremation arrangements entrusted to the dedicated care of BLACKBURN-CURRY FUNERAL AND CREMATION, 380 N. Lowder Street, Macclenny, Florida 32063. (904) 259-2806. Please share your condolences with the Rogers family online at www.blackburncurryfh.com.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: http://www.stjude.org/