Clyde Rogers Rockwell

Obituary For Clyde Rogers Rockwell

Funeral services for the late Mr. Clyde Rogers Rockwell, who departed this life on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at Willson Hospice House in Albany, Georgia, will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. from the Blue Springs Baptist Church in Oakfield, Georgia. Reverend Samuel Stokes, Pastor, will deliver the Eulogy. Burial will follow in the Mt. Zion Church Cemetery in Oakfield, Georgia. Services may be viewed Facebook Live from the “Shipps Funeral Home” Facebook page or by clicking the Video Stream link on this site's Home Page.

Clyde Rogers Rockwell was born on November 13, 1957 in Warwick (Worth County), Georgia to the late Mr. and Mrs. Sammie Lee and Elsie Lee Perry Rockwell. He was the eighth of nine children born to this union. During his younger years, he lived with his parents in Warwick and Doles, Georgia. In his adult years, he lived in Sylvester, Georgia.

He attended New Hope Elementary School (Warwick, Georgia), and was a 1975 graduate of Worth County High School (Sylvester, Georgia). While in high school, Clyde played football. He received recognition as an outstanding defensive halfback and offensive back. He also attended Darton Junior College (currently Albany State University, West Campus). Clyde joined Blue Springs Baptist Church, Warwick Georgia at an early age. He never revealed his favorite scripture, but he was heard quoting "Lord I Give Myself to You" (Psalms 25:1), before he transitioned. He sang in the choir, and was an active participant in the Youth Department, under the direction of Mrs. Eula Rockwell. In later years, Clyde served as Assistant Superintendent of Sunday School, and was the President of Ushers Board.

Clyde was married twice. The first marriage was to Carolyn Dupree. There were no children born to this union. Some years later, he married Margaret White. No children were born to this union, either.

During summer breaks, Clyde worked for two farmers, T. W. Tyson and James Boyd, both of Doles, Georgia. His assignments were to help gather and load watermelons, and assist with the delivery of the fruit to the Farmers’ Market. He learned to drive the farm tractor. He maintained a healthy relationship with these men until their death.

As an adult he was employed at Worth County Hospital (currently, Phoebe Worth Medical Center) for two and one-half years. He was the second African-American employee of Sylvester Police Department for 1977-1978. At first Clyde was too young to be a Patrol Officer, so the city hired him as the Dispatcher. When he met the required age he became a Patrolman. Clyde was the first African-American Deputy Sheriff at the Worth County Sheriff's Department, from 1978 - 1995. He was certified as a Peace Officer through the Albany Police Academy, and held a membership in the Peace Officers Association.

Clyde’s third career choice took him on the road, driving the big rigs for Action Trucking Company of North Dakota. He traveled many places.

Clyde was the kind of person who never met strangers. His laugh was infectious. He was a sharing person. One of his classmates once said "He'd give you the shirt off his back." He loved people.

His leisure time was spent fishing. Many times he shared his catch with friends and neighbors. Sports played a major role in his life, and he enjoyed watching sports on television. At one point he and a friend coached Little League teams.

Our father, grandfather, uncle, brother, cousin, and friend was called to rest by the Lord on February 15, 2024 in the care of loving family members at Willson Hospice House in Albany, Georgia. His parents, Sammie and Elsie Rockwell, a daughter, Charlotte Rockwell, a sister, Evelyn Ebby Rockwell, brothers, Sammie Lee Rockwell, Jr., Andrew Rockwell, Wesley Rockwell, Luther Arnett Rockwell, have all proceeded him in death.

Clyde’s daughters Katrina (Eric) Cook, Cassandra Rockwell, Jazmine Rockwell, Matilda (John) Jackson, and sons Clyde Rogers Rockwell, Jr., Kevin (Danielle) Carter, Donavas Thomas, and sisters Mable J. Rockwell Jackson, Glory A. Stuart, Joyce A. Rockwell, and six grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends are all left with a deep void in their lives.

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