David Lee Rodgers

David Lee Rodgers, also called “Big Dave,” “Doc”, or simply “Dave” went to be with his Lord peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, November 7, 2017.  Dave was born July 26, 1951, in Oklahoma City.  He is survived by his wife of forty-five years, Barbara; son David Lee Rodgers, Jr; grandsons, Nic Martin, Tyler and Austin Rodgers, all of Albuquerque; sister Becky Prairie and family from Bernalillo, NM; uncle Fred Savage of Oklahoma; aunt Patsy Nicholson of Mississippi; numerous nephews, nieces, sisters and brother-in-law.  Dave’s family and friends were important to him to the very end. Many of them shared his interest in hunting, fishing, and softball.  He was pleased that New Mexico offered him plenty of open space to pursue these activities.  Anyone who worked with David in construction or at the Santa Fe railroad would testify of his zeal for hard work in conjunction with the skills to do it.  Dave worked the night shift helping to build Cochiti Dam.  Once the dam was completed, he was employed by the railroad as a mechanic.  He retired early from his demanding career last year. He was at this time employed at Aztec Grading in Albuquerque. Doc Rodgers was preceded in death by his father, Mack L. Rodgers; mother Margaret P. Rodgers; brother, Larry Rodgers; Nancy Calvery; and grandparents, Will and Hazel Savage.