Dear Editor,
The burial of Dillon native Lewis Rogers, Citadel Class of ’82, took place on 18 January 2018 in the cemetery of St. Paul United Methodist Church, a graceful old country church built in 1871 in nearby Little Rock. Despite frigid temperatures, the crowd was such that ushers were forced to clear a path for the elegant widow and other family members. Among the pall bearers were two other Citadel boys and Dillon natives, Matt Chandler and Michael Turnage, both of whom were close to Lewis at The Citadel.
Lewis was my roommate in Bravo Company thirdclass year. He was a good man. He and the other Dillon boys shared a striking set of traits. They were swashbuckling and chivalrous, earnest and honest. They were humble. They were creative – among the most talented escape artists when the coveted Charleston Pass could not be had. Best of all, they were fun. They radiated a smiling defiance that uplifted fellow cadets when the military rigor was onerous. Fortunate were the rifle companies with cadets named Rogers, Chandler, and Turnage among their ranks. Morale tended to be high there. Without realizing it, the Dillon boys imparted the lesson of optimism in the face of adversity. That lesson continues to serve classmates throughout the decades.
At the preceding memorial service, Reverend Malambri related stories of Lewis and his love for his wife, Sonja, and their two children, James and Elizabeth, and their many adventures together. Through well-researched and well-delivered words of remembrance, he did what only the eloquent priests can do at a funeral, namely ease mourners’ injured spirits and bitter tears by eliciting smiles and gentle chuckles.
Something is awfully right in a town that produces families such as the Rogers, the Chandlers, and the Turnages and priests such as Malambri. Dillon should be proud. The rest of us salute you.
Very respectfully,
Col Scott K. Gibson III, USAF (ret.)
Citadel Class of ‘82
2028 Turnberry Lane
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576