Jay Rodgers

Our beloved, Jay Todd Rodgers, was born on October 13, 1970, in Mesquite, Texas. On May 16, 2025, he passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy marked by unwavering faith in Jesus, joyful service, and deep love for family and others. Todd resided in Mesquite, TX until moving to Forney, TX in 2007.

A devoted follower of Jesus, Todd's faith was the foundation of his life. Todd's family was his greatest earthly treasure. He loved his wife, Melanie, with wholehearted devotion, always striving to fulfill her desires-even agreeing often to sleeping in a tent during snowfall or Texas heat just to be by her side. Todd and Melanie were high school sweethearts who met in the spring of 1987, his Sophomore and her Freshman year, in the parking lot of West Mesquite High School. They were married May 16th, 1992. He was a proud and loving father to John-Morgan Rodgers, with whom he shared a passion for music, comics, and arcade games. He bonded with his daughter, Julia Rodgers, over their mutual love of music and fandoms. With Jenna Rodgers, Todd delighted in sharing silly memories of her to lovingly embarrass her, all while proudly boasting about her faithful service to the Lord and her call to ministry. Todd was a proud husband and daddy.

Todd accepted Christ his senior year of High School at Mimosa Lane Baptist Church. Corporate worship was a vital part of Todd's life. He attended Mimosa Lane Baptist Church in Mesquite, TX until later joining First Baptist Church Forney in 2010. He served the Lord faithfully in many capacities, most notably through 30 years of student ministry alongside his wife, Melanie. Together, they impacted countless young lives, with Todd pouring his heart into mentoring and guiding "his boys", a role he embraced with joy, humor, and deep commitment.

Todd loved family gatherings, especially those filled with kickball, washers, and laughter. He was thoughtful and considerate, unless there was a potluck involved, where he was mysteriously always first in line. He was the "fun uncle" to his 18 nieces and nephews and 7 great-nieces and nephews, bringing humor, playfulness, and kindness into every interaction.

He adored traveling and vacationing with his family, especially cherishing the peaceful presence and sounds of the beach. Every summer, Todd would make church camp a high priority of his vacationing. He loved experiencing the outdoors with family and friends. He also cherished working weekend fishing tournaments, jokingly called his "sleepovers", where friendships were deepened.

Professionally, Todd worked as a FedEx Express Courier for 30 years. He took great pride in his work, dedicating himself fully to providing for his family. His commitment and integrity earned him numerous recognitions throughout his long and faithful career. He is remembered by his coworkers as a man of strong faith, a true friend, and bringing laughter, warmth, and reliability to the work place.

Todd had a deep love for a wide genre of music and movies, especially Star Wars. He often used this passion to share the gospel of Jesus in relatable and creative ways. Todd incorporated sharing the gospel in everyday life. One of Todd's many talents or gifts was having the knowledge and ability to associate any given moment or circumstance to a song or movie quote. Todd was a supportive fan of the Forney Jackrabbits. It wasn't as much the sport or event, but his love for the students involved.

If you were Todd's friend, you were well-loved whether your paths crossed briefly or for a lifetime. He loved you by sharing a text of a song, movie clip, or sharing a silly reel with you. His genuine, loyal nature made a lasting impact on everyone he met. If you were a friend of Todds you were blessed to know that he was covering your needs in prayer.

Todd is survived by his loving wife, Melanie Thompson Rodgers; and their children: John-Morgan, Julia T., and Jenna E. Rodgers. He is also lovingly remembered by his mother, Carol Jeanette Hamrick Rodgers; mother-in-law, Regina Humphrey Thompson; and father-in-law, John R. Thompson.

He leaves behind his siblings: Jonette Rodgers, Craig Rodgers, Tracy Rodgers Grey, and Jon Toby Rodgers; and his brothers and sisters-in-law: Aaron Lusk, Amy Thompson Airhart, Anton Jensby, Ashley Thompson Lusk, Brandi Rodgers, Jennifer Thompson, Laura Rodgers, Stephen Grey, Todd Thompson, and Tye Airhart.

He was preceded in death by his father, JohnnyT. Rodgers of Grand Saline, TX.

A celebration of Todd's life will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Forney, Texas. Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:30 AM. Todd will be laid to rest at the Rodgers Family Cemetery in Grand Saline, Texas, at 2:00 PM.

Jay Todd Rodgers will be remembered for his steadfast faith and the profound love he poured into his family and everyone around him. May we honor his life by living as he lived... walking in faith, loving deeply, and serving humbly.