Shipps Funeral Home, Inc. | Sylvester, GA

Obituary For Clyde Rogers Rockwell

Funeral services for the late Mr. Clyde Rogers Rockwell, who departed this life on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at Willson Hospice House in Albany, Georgia, will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. from the Blue Springs Baptist Church in Oakfield, Georgia. Reverend Samuel Stokes, Pastor, will deliver the Eulogy. Burial will follow in the Mt. Zion Church Cemetery in Oakfield, Georgia. Services may be viewed Facebook Live from the “Shipps Funeral Home” Facebook page or by clicking the Video Stream link on this site's Home Page.

Clyde Rogers Rockwell was born on November 13, 1957 in Warwick (Worth County), Georgia to the late Mr. and Mrs. Sammie Lee and Elsie Lee Perry Rockwell. He was the eighth of nine children born to this union. During his younger years, he lived with his parents in Warwick and Doles, Georgia. In his adult years, he lived in Sylvester, Georgia.

He attended New Hope Elementary School (Warwick, Georgia), and was a 1975 graduate of Worth County High School (Sylvester, Georgia). While in high school, Clyde played football. He received recognition as an outstanding defensive halfback and offensive back. He also attended Darton Junior College (currently Albany State University, West Campus). Clyde joined Blue Springs Baptist Church, Warwick Georgia at an early age. He never revealed his favorite scripture, but he was heard quoting "Lord I Give Myself to You" (Psalms 25:1), before he transitioned. He sang in the choir, and was an active participant in the Youth Department, under the direction of Mrs. Eula Rockwell. In later years, Clyde served as Assistant Superintendent of Sunday School, and was the President of Ushers Board.

Clyde was married twice. The first marriage was to Carolyn Dupree. There were no children born to this union. Some years later, he married Margaret White. No children were born to this union, either.

During summer breaks, Clyde worked for two farmers, T. W. Tyson and James Boyd, both of Doles, Georgia. His assignments were to help gather and load watermelons, and assist with the delivery of the fruit to the Farmers’ Market. He learned to drive the farm tractor. He maintained a healthy relationship with these men until their death.

As an adult he was employed at Worth County Hospital (currently, Phoebe Worth Medical Center) for two and one-half years. He was the second African-American employee of Sylvester Police Department for 1977-1978. At first Clyde was too young to be a Patrol Officer, so the city hired him as the Dispatcher. When he met the required age he became a Patrolman. Clyde was the first African-American Deputy Sheriff at the Worth County Sheriff's Department, from 1978 - 1995. He was certified as a Peace Officer through the Albany Police Academy, and held a membership in the Peace Officers Association.

Clyde’s third career choice took him on the road, driving the big rigs for Action Trucking Company of North Dakota. He traveled many places.

Clyde was the kind of person who never met strangers. His laugh was infectious. He was a sharing person. One of his classmates once said "He'd give you the shirt off his back." He loved people.

His leisure time was spent fishing. Many times he shared his catch with friends and neighbors. Sports played a major role in his life, and he enjoyed watching sports on television. At one point he and a friend coached Little League teams.

Our father, grandfather, uncle, brother, cousin, and friend was called to rest by the Lord on February 15, 2024 in the care of loving family members at Willson Hospice House in Albany, Georgia. His parents, Sammie and Elsie Rockwell, a daughter, Charlotte Rockwell, a sister, Evelyn Ebby Rockwell, brothers, Sammie Lee Rockwell, Jr., Andrew Rockwell, Wesley Rockwell, Luther Arnett Rockwell, have all proceeded him in death.

Clyde’s daughters Katrina (Eric) Cook, Cassandra Rockwell, Jazmine Rockwell, Matilda (John) Jackson, and sons Clyde Rogers Rockwell, Jr., Kevin (Danielle) Carter, Donavas Thomas, and sisters Mable J. Rockwell Jackson, Glory A. Stuart, Joyce A. Rockwell, and six grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends are all left with a deep void in their lives.

Guest Book

Clyde was my classmate and will be truly missed. Take your rest now!! Brenda Womack Hamilton

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May God's Holy Spirit provide comfort to the family during this time of sorrow. Leslie Royster and family

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Deepest sympathy and condolences from Shirley Lewis and family 💚.

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Clyde, you will always be remembered as an amazing and kind human being who was always there for my family, especially my mom, Lettie and my sister, Janice. You will forever be in my heart. Lynda ( Lynn ) Bell Byrom

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Mr. Rockwell was the sweetest man. He and I would talk about fishing for a few each time he came into where I work at. He will be missed Prayers

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You will truly, truly be missed. You were like a brother to me and always looked out for me and Mama. We love you and will miss you terribly. I know God is taking care of you the way you took care of everyone. Rest in peace. Janice Bell

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My Condolences to the family 🙏 Mccullors Family

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My Condolences to the families. Dorothea Taylor,

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My deepest condolences to my cousin Jasmine and the entire Rockwell family. Clyde will be truly missed. Praying for you all fervently. R. Young

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Cylde was a good friend to everyone he was a good person we will be praying for his family I know he will be missed

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To the Rockwell Family: I am deeply saddened to hear about Clyde's passing. I pray that God will comfort you all in this difficult time. Clyde was indeed a sweet person and I know when he saw Jesus Face he had a big smile on his face. He's in no more pain to be absent from the body and present with the Lord has to be the most beautiful thing. Rest my friend.

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Condolences to the family 🙏🏾! Rest well classmate. Janice Sumlin Bronn

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Honestly Cousin Clyde will be very much missed but he will forever be there in spirit and in our hearts. I will stay strong for you. I love you so much. He always cracked a joke. He really brought light to the room. Fly high in paradise cuzzo🕊️💕 -Victoria Outlaw

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My Condolences to the Rockwell family sending love and prayers Phyllis Thomas Thornton

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Sending love and prayers to the Rockwell family Clyde will truly be missed from my life he was a very good friend

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With deepest sympathy to Clyde Rockwell's family. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family as they go through this difficult time. Cherish the precious memories for they are treasures. Find peace and comfort in God, who will strengthen and help you all through this. Cathy Greene

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I am so sorry !!! Clyde was such a sweet person and always had Freddie's back when he worked with him. You will be missed. Love you!!!

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Clyde was one of a kind - he coached both my boys and was a true gentleman. Peace

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Being a RAM teammate with Clyde, he was one of the biggest, strongest slot backs to ever play at Worth County. The memory I share with Clyde was the kickoff return. I being a small, smart player, I snuck behind the wall the team had built for Clyde to return the kickoff. I was then faced with the dilemma of what too do now: that big man head (who was twice my size) on or abort mission. I chose to take him on ... and that play ended with Clyde crushing me. Years later we would both laugh and he would say I just knew that you were going to get out of my way. It was my passage to manhood. My family enjoyed seeing Clyde in uniform years later. I am happy to say that I have served with Clyde. Rest in peace brother! Don Morris

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Clyde and I were Worth Co. Deputy Sheriffs in 1983. It was an honor to have served with him. He will be missed. He can put he mag light down. RIP my friend.

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I am so sorry for your loss. I have nothing but wonderful memories of Clyde. Going all the way back to high school and as team mates. He was a true friend and a wonderful person. He will be truly missed. Jack Colby

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I have nothing but respect and love for Clyde, he was a truly a genuine person and respected lawman. I will miss his smile and words of wisdom and his unmatched humor. Rest in peace my brother. Mike H.

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Joyce and family, I'm so sorry to hear about Clyde. May God grant you all comfort and understanding in the days ahead 🙏 June and Lee Odom

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Condolences to the Rockwell family from the Morgan family.

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My condolences to the family during this time. Kivett Milton

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I am truly sorry to hear this. Clyde was a great guy. We went to school together and he always had my back! He was like a big brother. Thinking of his family at this time & sending prayers.

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With deepest sympathy, Clyde will be truly missed, my son James really thought a lot of Clyde,he was like a father figure to him. Rest easy.

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You have my deepest sympathy. Clyde you surely be missed. Sending Prayers to the family 🙏🙏 Loretta Carter

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The family of Clyde Rockwell have my deepest condolences. Clyde was a good man who loved his family and friends dearly and he will sincerely be missed. I am sending love and prayers to you all.🙏🙏🙏

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Shipps Funeral Home, Inc. | Sylvester, GA

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