Mr. James Billy Rogers, age 81, of Ellijay, GA passed away Monday, December 17, 2012 in the Gilmer County Nursing Home in Ellijay, GA. Mr. Rogers was born in Fannin County on April 25, 1931 to the late Andrew Rogers and Carrie Bearden Rogers. He retired from Pepsi where he worked as a maintenance supervisor. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Vesta Mann Rogers.

He is survived by daughters and son-in-law, Barbara Kirby of Woodstock, GA, Janice and Keith Hobbs of Ellijay, and Joyce Rogers of Orlando, FL; brothers, Ronnie Rogers and Jackie Rogers, both of Blue Ridge; sisters, Ruth Ann Patterson, Betty Dills, and Shirley Chapman, all of Blue Ridge; and Patsy Queen of Summerville, GA; grandchildren, Adam Kirby and Dawn Hynson; and a great grandchild, Austin Hynson.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. from the Akins of Blue Ridge Chapel with Rev. Kenneth Mann officiating. Interment will follow in College Park Cemetery in College Park, GA.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge is in charge of arrangements.