Hiram Rogers was born on July 22, 1957. He was so excited to get here that he was born in the doctor’s office. His parents, Hiram Rogers and Lillie Merritt Rogers of Center Hill, should have known then that their lives would never be the same.
As a small child, he would “tinker” with things, take things apart and put them back together (or not), so much so that his grandmother, Jessie Merritt, coined his nickname that still follows him today. Some did not know that he even had a “real name.”
When Tinker’s parents married, his father already had grown children. So, when Tinker was born, he was already an uncle. His half- brother Jack, half- sisters Ivey, Francis, Stella, and Miram Lee have already passed on, but so many nieces and nephews remain, and the stories they could tell.
His parents had one other child together, his little sister. When she was born, they told him that his mother could not come home until she named the baby. Tinker, wanting his mother home, said to name her “Annie Lou.” Being seven years apart in age caused many issues growing up and at times could fight like cats and dogs. But when their mom was ready to pass on, she made them promise to stop fighting. Since that day, they never had a fight or argument again and went from brother/sister to friends. His sister recently told him that it was the best gift that Mom ever gave.
He attended Center Hill Elementary and graduated from South Sumter High in 1976. Over the years he worked in sales, welding, electrical, and remodeling, but his true talent was repairing cars, trucks, mowers, tractors, and pretty much anything with a motor or wheels.
At 6’6” he came across as a tough guy that one shouldn’t mess with, which was true, but he also had a softer side when it came to family and friends. He was always willing to help those in need, sometimes without having to be asked; a true friend. He also took wonderful care of his mother until she passed away. He was her favorite and he did not hesitate telling everyone.
Tinker grew up with a big bunch of cousins and nieces and nephews. A tight knit group where peanut boils, fish fries, and huge family dinners were normal. Some have passed on, but some are still included on his best friend list.
Tinker met Mary Anne Brown some 34 years ago. Mildred Brown, Mary Anne’s Mom, thought the world of Tinker and spent many hours talking on the phone to each other. It has not been proven, but that may have been how he convinced Mary Anne to marry him. He already had a big family, but after they married in 1996, his family grew even larger, being welcomed into the family by Mary Anne’s siblings, Jeannie, Linda, Debbie, Rick, David, Danny, as well as all the many nieces, and nephews, as he was Uncle Tinker to them as well.
Together, he and Mary Anne raised several four-legged babies, including Little Bit, Tippy, and Brandy, that have gone on before. Gypsy and Miss Kitty are mourning the loss of their beloved daddy.
While Tinker did not have children of his own, he loved them, and they loved him. He had a way to connect with them. Some would say it was because he was a big kid himself, or it may have been because they could feel that his love was genuine. He even has a few children that adopted him as their grandpa.
Tinker’s niece, Jenna, completely adored her uncle. He was her cheerleader and bodyguard. When he found out she was getting married, he laid the law down to her future husband, Ryan. Wade felt he had the best brother-in-law ever and he always knew he could count on him.
He loved to talk and tell stories. He would get to know everybody that he encountered and usually would have them laughing. He always kept us on our toes because no one knew what he would come up with next or what he would say.
Tinker enjoyed hunting at “The Camp” near Ocala. He enjoyed the people and the comradery more than the actual hunting. He also enjoyed watching Nascar, YouTube, fishing and finding treasures at estate sales or car shows.
He was lucky to have so many good friends. If you were around him for any length of time, his phone would ring a dozen times and he would have to stop and talk. The outpouring of love and support during this time is a testament to those relationships and the bond they shared.
Tinker departed this earth officially on April 8, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. To say he will be missed is an understatement.