Henry Darwin Rogers of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on January 8, 2026 at the age of 93. A lively and distinguished figure in Northeast Florida’s professional and civic life, Henry’s legacy spanned more than six decades of service in commercial real estate, community leadership, and cultural engagement.
Born in Jacksonville in 1932, Henry attended West Riverside Elementary, John Gorrie Junior High, Robert E. Lee High School and graduated with an AB in Physics from Harvard in 1954. During his time at college, he was in Naval ROTC and served during the summers in the Merchant Marines. A proud veteran, he served as a Combat Information Center Officer in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Wiltsie (DD-716) after graduation.
Henry dedicated 65 plus years to real estate as a developer, broker, appraiser, and commercial trader, earning emeritus status with the CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation and serving as president of the Jacksonville Board of Realtors. His most remembered project was the development of the residential community Lake Asbury with his brother John Rogers.  Honors in his profession included being named Florida Land Realtor of the Year and receiving the Jacksonville Deal of the Year award.
Henry’s leadership extended well beyond business. He believed in participation and action. If you ever complained about something, he would ask “What are you going to do about making it better?”. He was active in the local community throughout his life in diverse groups such as: Northeast Florida Health Services Commission, The Duval County Mental Health Services, Jacksonville Historical Society, The Harvard Club of Jacksonville, The Gateway Residence, and The Civic Roundtable.
Rogers also played a part in local politics. He served on the Fourth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee and was elected to two terms on the Jacksonville Civil Service Board serving with former Mayor Hans Tanzler and working to unify Jacksonville with consolidation.
An active participant within Jacksonville’s arts community, Henry performed various roles in the city’s Nutcracker Ballet performances with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra for 50 years.
Henry never met a stranger and enjoyed any opportunity to gather with friends or engage with new people.  Whether hanging out with his high school buddies at the monthly Billy Boys luncheon, entertaining party goers as The Jester at Ye Mystic Revellers or testing himself through adventure travel in places like Peru, Nepal, and Turkey, he believed experiences were always made better when shared.
Henry is survived by daughters Katherine Rogers, Amelia Rogers (Douglas Green), and grandson, Elia Green. He was preceded in death by his brothers Walter Rogers, John Rogers, and his sister Minervia Rogers Mason.
Henry was active in the Unitarian Universalist Church starting in the early 1970’s. His family invites you to his committal service at Evergreen Cemetery, 4535 N. Main Street, Gate 5, Jacksonville, Florida, on January 19, 2026, at 2:00 pm, followed by a celebration of his life at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 7405 Arlington Expressway at 3:00 pm. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Evergreen Funeral Home- (904) 353-3649
In lieu of flowers, please donate to The American Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice.
Add Comment