News

Actions

Willie Rogers, oldest living Tuskegee Airman, dies at 101

Posted at 11:06 AM, Nov 21, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-21 11:07:37-05

Tampa Bay is saying goodbye to a hero. Willie Rogers died at the age of 101 on Saturday from complications from a stroke. He was the oldest living member of the original Tuskegee Airman. Rogers served in the U.S. Military when it was still segregated. Rogers was living in St. Petersburg with family since the 1940’s.

St. Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman tweeted out a message that read in part “Rest In Peace our friend.”

 

 

In 2007, Rogers was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal from President George W. Bush.

Funeral services for Rogers are set for November 27th at noon at Bethel AME Church, 912 3rd Avenue N., St. Petersburg.