In Remembrance…. Darrell Rodgers affectionately known as "Doc" was the eldest child of Will and Bobbie Jean Rodgers. He was born in Waco, TX on October 6, 1962 and peacefully transitioned into the arms of his Heavenly Father on May 12, 2015 at the young age of 52. He accepted Christ at an early age. Doc discovered a passion for sports while attending Eisenhower High School in Lawton, OK. This passion for sports earned him a baseball scholarship to the University of Oklahoma where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Radio/TV/Film/Journalism and a Masters Degree in Sports Management. Upon graduating, Doc played for the San Francisco Giants and Cincinnati Reds minor league system for six seasons as a pitcher. Upon completing minor league career, Doc became a pitching coach for the Reds' rookie-league affiliate for two years. He later joined the Reds front office as Assistant for Baseball Operations. These skills propelled him to become the Director of Baseball Administration for the Detroit Tigers in 1996. In 1997, Doc returned to the Cincinnati Reds as the first African-American Assistant General Manager (GM). While Doc's appointment to Assistant GM was historic for Cincinnati, for him, he was simply living his dream. He held this position from 1997 to 2002. As the Assistant GM, Doc was responsible for player development and scouting. Under his leadership, the Cincinnati Reds' farm system became one of the best in minor league baseball. Doc became Director of Minor League Operations for the Baltimore Orioles from 2003 – 2004. During his tenure, he revived the Orioles Farm System. Doc was a natural teacher and instituted a number of training changes to ensure optimal player development. He even had his wife, Dorothy, trained on evaluating pitches, recording baseball stats, and using the radar gun! After returning to the city he loved, Cincinnati, Doc re-ignited his love for officiating basketball games and was elected Vice President of the Ohio Valley Basketball Officials Association. Using his talents and negotiating skills from baseball, he became a Real Estate Agent for Coldwell Banker West Shell. Despite a successful career as an agent, he continued to long for the game he loved…baseball. Recognizing his love for the game, Dorothy encouraged him to utilize his love for baseball, education, and journalism to become a sports announcer. This encouragement landed him the weekend host of "Extra Innings" for WLW radio from 2007 - 2014. Darrell loved music, friends, and family. He married Dorothy Mayberry Rodgers on November 1, 1997 and to this union, two wonderful children were born – Jazmine and Kobe. He will be remembered by his infectious smile and passion for learning and teaching. With his family, friends, and numerous supporters by his side, he led a courageous battle with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. As a family, we talked openly about his condition and witnessed first-hand the highs and lows of this horrific disease. Because of his faith in God, Darrell fought and remained positive until the very end. On May 12th at 2:28pm EST, God gently took Darrell's hand and led him to his new home in heaven. His love for life serves as a legacy to his wife, Dorothy A. Rodgers; daughter, Jazmine "Jazzi" Rodger and son, Kobe Rodgers of Cincinnati; father, Will Rodgers II; three brothers, Will Rodgers III (Connie) Madrid, CA, James Rodgers(Oklahoma City, OK), and Richard "ReRe" Rodgers (Renee) of Lawton, OK; two sisters, Ellen Sutton(Waco, TX) and Barbara Rodgers(Houston, TX); Mother & Father-In-Law, Mr. & Mrs. Dave Mayberry; two special Sisters-In-Law, Shone Mayberry(Peoria, IL) and Lisa Mayberry (Cincinnati, OH); a Brother-In-Law, Quintin Mayberry(Chicago, IL); a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his mother Bobbie Jean Rodgers. Visitation is from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm, on Friday, May 15, 2015, at the Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church, 9991 Wayne Ave, Woodlawn (45215). Memorials may be made to Rodgers Memorial Fund at any USBank location. You may express online condolences at www.HerbWalker.com. Walker Funeral Home of Cincinnati is serving the Rodgers family.

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