Ellington

Practical joker, role model, athlete—these are just a few ways to describe Nate Rogers. Rogers was full of energy and loved pulling pranks on anyone that appreciated a good laugh. His practical jokes helped him find a way into many people's hearts. He was a role model for everyone in his community.

Rogers was also a Special Athlete, as a 28-year-old with multiple disabilities ranging from speech to hearing.

"Nate never met a challenge that he didn't overcome—and he had a lot of challenges," Nate's father, Paul Rogers, said.

Rogers played in the Ridgeland Challenger League, a baseball league for disabled children and adults. He was also a member of the Mustard Seed Christian Community in Brandon. His involvement in different organizations led him to inspire and create opportunities for both kids and adults with disabilities.

Rogers enjoyed baseball, basketball, bowling and fishing. He once went fishing with the Seedsters and came back home to tell his parents that he caught 100 fish (in actuality he only hooked one). He was a member of the Key Club at Madison Central High School and received the Distinguished Service Award in 2005. As a member of the Mississippi Mud Bug Softball team, he was awarded the chance of a lifetime: participating in the National Invitational Special Softball Olympics in Chicago in 2011. His position in the outfield helped the team bring home silver medals.

Rogers' life came to an unexpected end Dec. 11 when he passed quietly at his Gluckstat home. He will be missed

Visitations will be held Dec. 13 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Broadmoor Baptist Church (1531 Highland Colony Parkway, Madison, 601-898-2345). The service immediately follows visitations Dec. 14. The burial will take place at Natchez Trace Memorial Park Cemetery (759 Hwy 51, Madison, 601-898-8565).