Roger E. Fakes' Obituary
Roger Edmonds Fakes, age 79, died peacefully at home on September 16, 2018. Roger was born in Little Rock, Arkansas to Roger Edmonds Fakes, Sr. and Valeria Motley Fakes and moved to Memphis with his family where he lived the rest of his life. He graduated from East High School in 1956, and it was there that he met his bride to be, Gladys “Gibby” Gibson Hall. He graduated from Memphis State University (now University of Memphis) where he was President of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Roger married Gibby shortly after graduating college and loved her deeply for 36 years until she lost a long and courageous battle with breast cancer in 1998.Roger worked effectively and tirelessly at Auto Chlor System Inc. for over thirty-four years and last served as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. During his tenure there, he impacted every aspect of the business including dealer relations, chemical research / production and equipment design. He served on national industry boards and was the recipient of his industry’s highest honor, the Spes Hominum Award in 1989. A member of Second Presbyterian Church for over forty years, he sang in the choir all that time and loved his church family.Roger was a true jack of all trades and gifted in so many ways. He performed as a self-taught musician throughout high school and college and worked as a studio musician at the legendary Sun Studios in Memphis and released several 45’s during his time there. He was an inventor and held several US Patents. He played the Hammond organ for years and loved to hold jam sessions at the house where he and his friends would play into the night. He had a sharp mind, was conversant on most topics, and was able to quickly understand almost any mechanical device and to repair it in his shop.Other memberships and involvement included US Naval Air Reserve (VP-793 Anti-submarine Warfare Squadron), Memphis Country Club, Board of Directors Memphis Christian Fellowship Retreat, and Board of Directors at the Christian Psychological Center. His most loved activities included spending time with his extended family who he cherished, encouraged and lovingly supported and pursued.Roger was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his sister, Margaret Ann Fakes Gehlmann of Nashville, Tennessee. He is survived by his children Margaret Van Fakes Magness (Greg) of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Roger Edmonds Fakes, Jr. of Memphis, Tennessee. His grandchildren are: John Gibson Magness, Anna Lindsey Magness, Mary Gibson “Gibby” Fakes and Roger Edmonds “Edmond” Fakes, III. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.A memorial service will be held at Second Presbyterian Church, 4055 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee on Saturday, September 22 at 1 p.m., with visitation afterwards at the Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the choir program at Second Presbyterian Church.Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Celebrating Life… Behind the Stone Wall”.
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