Robert Earl Rosier, Sr.

Mr. Robert Earl Rosier Sr., age 74, of McNatt Falls inherited his heavenly home on July 22, 2024 at his residence while surrounded by his family. He was under the care of Community Hospice of Vidalia.

Mr. Rosier was born on December 5, 1949, in Starke, Florida to Shelbert Rosier and Lucille Anderson Wimberly. He was a 1968 graduate of Vidalia High School.

Early in 1967, he met Carol Thomas, a beautiful shy girl from Jacksonville FL. After a short courtship, they were married on September 14, 1968. While living between Georgia and Florida for several years, the young couple had three children: Angie in 1969, Melanie in 1971 and Robbie in 1972. In 1974 they settled in McNatt Falls, a quaint dirt road, dead-end river community nestled on the banks of the mighty Altamaha River in Toombs County Georgia. In a simple trailer under the shady branches of a massive oak tree the family established a homeplace that has been enjoyed by many for over 50 years.

Mr. Rosier began a career with the Florida Department of Corrections in 1972 where he worked as a Correctional Officer. After relocation to Georgia, he started a career with the Georgia Department of Corrections in 1973 as a Correctional Officer at Georgia State Prison. While at GSP, he was actively involved in the filming of the Longest Yard in 1974 and served during the riots and court ordered segregation. In 1987 he transferred from GSP to Rogers State Prison. While at Rogers State Prison he was assigned to the Food Service Department as a Correctional Officer. He retired in 2000 with over 28 years of service as a Certified State Peace Officer.

In 1982, Mr. Rosier began volunteering as a Coach at South Toombs Recreation Department where his children played a variety of sports. After years of service and volunteering, Coach Rosier became the Director of the Recreation Department. During his decades of service to the Toombs Central Community, Coach Rosier helped develop and mold the lives of thousands of children who were involved in football, basketball, baseball and cheerleading. Although he did enjoy winning the games, to Coach Rosier, it wasn’t about the athletic ability or who could run the fastest, instead, it was Coach Rosier’s goal to teach children, discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship that could be used in everyday life. The countless hours of selfless service at the recreation department were one of Coach Rosier’s proudest accomplishments.

Mr. Rosier became involved in local politics in the mid 1980’s when he was elected to the Toombs County Board of Education as a School Board member. The years that he served on the Board of Education were challenging as he and other board members had to make the unpopular, difficult decision of consolidating Toombs Central High School with Lyons High School. Although a controversial decision at the time, he and the community have been very proud to see the successfulness of the new Toombs County High School in athletics and academics.

Mr. Rosier was a community handyman. Many evenings and weekends he had carpentry, electrical and plumbing projects scheduled throughout the community. He loved to help others and his ability to repair and build things allowed him to help many families in need. He also was an avid gardener. Countless hours were spent in his garden where he planted taters, peas, maters and okra.

For many years the family worshipped at Cedar Crossing Baptist Church, where Mr. Rosier was a member. While at CCBC, Mr. Rosier served in many capacities, including choir member, Sunday School teacher, Treasurer, and Deacon. Whether it was Saturday afternoon softball games, revival, watch night services, trips to Palm Beach in Soperton, or regularly scheduled services on Sunday and Wednesday; Mr. Rosier made it a priority to keep his family engaged in Church activities. In later years, Mr. Rosier valued his time at Friendship Baptist Church in Glenwood and Ohoopee Baptist Church in Lyons.

Mr. Rosier is preceded in death by his father, Shelbert Rosier; his mother, Lucille Wimberly; his step-father Sandy Wimberly; his stepmother, Carrie Mae Rosier; his siblings, Bill Wimberly, Adam Rosier, Clara Jean Thornton, Paul Newsom, William Bryant, Sissy Thornton, and Frances Bryant; and his sister-in-law Molly Wimberly.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Carol Rosier of McNatt Falls; two daughters: Angie Wilkes and her husband Glenn of Lyons; Melanie Clark and her husband Lester of Uvalda; his son, Robbie Rosier of Atlanta; eight grandchildren: Matthew Wilkes (Jennifer Kell) of Uvalda, Robbie Wilkes (Rachel) of Lyons, Josh Wilkes (Allie Collins) of Lyons, Kristen Gonzalez (Luis) of Vidalia, Karlie Clark of Uvalda, Kaitlyn Clark of Uvalda, Haleigh Coleman (Austin) of Frederick, Maryland and Dr. Tyler Rosier (April) of Kentucky; his two brothers: Roger Wimberly (Pam) of Vidalia and Buddy Wimberly (Tonya) of Lyons; three sisters: Lori Robinson (Rudy) of South Carolina, Teresa Ann Glenn of Starke Fl., and Kathy Powell (David) of Keystone. Fl.; his uncle, Rev. Tommy Anderson of St. Mary’s; and two special aunts: Geraldine Anderson of Starke Fl. and Marie Hodge of Starke Fl.; and nineteen great-grandchildren: Ryan, McKinley, Mandy, Brylynn, Cambrynn, Emberly, Isabella, Cason, Dawson, Delilah, Gunner, Adelaide, Nolan, Nathaniel, Jaiden, Leo, Jonas, Gideon and Jasper.

Funeral Services for Mr. Robert Earl Rosier Sr. will be held Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 6:30 pm at Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia with Reverend Luis Gonzalez officiating. A Graveside service will be held Friday at 11:00 am at Cedar Crossing Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Glenn Wilkes, Matt Wilkes, Robbie Wilkes, Lester Clark, Jr., Austin Coleman and Josh Wilkes.

Fischer Funeral Care of Atlanta, with the assistance of Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia are in charge of the arrangements.

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