Leland Curtis Rogers, Jr.

Leland Curtis Rogers, Jr., 94, departed this life on April18, 2026 on his Final Eternal Patrol as a United States Navy Submarine Veteran.

Lee was born on June 24, 1931, in Chinchilla, Pa.. He graduated from Clarks Summit High School in 1949. Following graduation, he attended Castle Heights Military Academy and Wyoming Seminary before enlisting in the U.S. Navy after the beginning of the Korean War in 1950. After attending Boot Camp and Electronics School, Lee was assigned to the USS Briarius. He began training at Submarine School and was assigned to submarine USS K-1 in 1953. He was transferred to the nuclear power submarine training school in Idaho Falls, Idaho in 1955. His submarine service continued, serving on the USS Skate, temporary duty on the USS Nautilus, the USS Swordfish (plank owner), the USS Sculpin (plank owner), and the USS Tinosa. He was also an instructor at the Navy Nuclear Power School. Upon retirement from the Navy, after 20 years, Lee became an engineer in the commercial Nuclear Power field, working for various firms for 34 years. He retired in 2004 and continued living his full and meaningful life of 94.75 years.

Lee married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Brennan, in 1955 and together they had five children. Over the length of their marriage, they lived in 10 States (in four time zones), owned 11 homes, served in numerous temporary duty stations, had seven dogs and four cats, met numerous life-long friends, and still loved each other as much at the end as in the beginning. What an adventure!

He was an outstanding husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend to all. His children could not have asked for a better role model and mentor. He was at every game, meet, recital, concert, or activity. His approving voice could always be heard.

In his retirement, Lee was actively involved in Submarine Veterans groups in multiple states and many other Veterans associations, which brought him great joy. He still fit in his uniform and loved participating in ceremonies, parades, and other special events. This Senior Chief loved to tell stories - and he had many (some of them true!)

Lee was preceded in death by Patricia, his faithful and loving wife of 60 years, parents Leland C. Rogers and Phoebe Maddock Rogers, and sister Jean Dorothy Rogers.

Lee is survived by his five children: Lecia Ann Albright (Thomas), Diane Jane Calhoun (Frank), Ellen Louise Smith (Paul), Leland Curtis III (Stacy), and Owen Gregory; six grandchildren: Katharine Albright, Cassandra (Weikel) Miller, Patrick and Alexander Rogers, and Brendan and Maeve Smith, and great-grandchildren Beau and Brooks Miller.

As the Navy tradition states - "Sailor, rest your oar - we have the watch."

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: The US Submarine Veterans, Inc., Disabled American Veterans, other veterans organizations and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

To share your memories of Lee, please visit https://www.hamiltonfhofchattanooga.com/obituary/leland-lee-rogers-jr

The family will receive friends from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Monday, April 27, at the funeral home.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:45 a.m. on Monday, April 27, in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Frank Calhoun officiating. Interment will follow in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Navy.

Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, Tn. 37343, 423 531-3975.