Thomas Rodgers (Rodger) Wilhoit age 82, of Crossville, Tennessee joined the love of his life, Ruby Jean (Lee) Wilhoit and the Lord July 1, 2020.

He was born July 17, 1937 in Greeneville, TN to the late Lessie Clyde and Mary “Elsie” (Ruble) Wilhoit. He was a very talented musician who played Country/Honkytonk music with his Band of Gold and recorded albums “Band of Gold” and “The Social World of Rodger Wilhoit.” The band even fronted for well-known artists of that time such as George (Jones) and Tammy (Wynette).  He also won awards for his music and voice. In his later years he played mandolin in Bluegrass groups “The Sounds of Grass” and “Cumberland Mountain Boys.”

A member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, he was a kind, caring and generous man who loved all he met. He loved music, animals, traveling and working in his wood-working shop building birdhouses. He also enjoyed fishing, RV-ing and just sitting on his porch or by the fire with his (unofficial) adopted daughter Carla drinking cowboy coffee and talking about nothing and everything.

Rodger is survived by a daughter, Kim Wilhoit; Step- sons Roger Lee and Keith (Petra) Scarberry;  brother John Wilhoit; sister Diane (Ronald) Smith and many beloved grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind dear friend and neighbor Carla Cox, longtime friends Darwin and Vicky Scarlett, his Church family and his Bluegrass family along with many friends he loved dearly. He also leaves behind his constant companion, his cat Tom-Tom (Thomas).

He was preceded in death by his parents Lessie Clyde and Mary “Elsie” (Ruble) Wilhoit; wife Ruby Jean (Lee) Wilhoit; sisters Wanda Rader and Marilyn Pence; brothers William and Mac Wilhoit; and step-daughter Susan Thomas.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 3, 2020 at Crossville Memorial Funeral Home 2653 N. Main St. Crossville, TN 38555 with visitation from 5PM to 7PM, services following at 7PM.