Michael S. Rodgers

Michael “Mike” Sherman Rodgers, 53, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away November 30, 2023, at home surrounded by his family after a hard-fought and courageous battle with glioblastoma – an aggressive form of brain cancer. He was born in Alexandria, Virginia, to Stephen Rodgers and Nancy Sherman on October 27, 1970. He grew up with family in Staunton, Virginia and other towns in northern Virginia. Throughout the years, he shared a special bond with both of grandmothers, Nell Sherman and DeeDee Rodgers. In high school, he attended The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania (class of 1988), where he developed lifelong friendships and an appreciation for learning, as well as perfected the art of sneaking out with friends in his red Jeep Wrangler.

Mike then went on to attend The College of William & Mary (class of 1992), earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, with honors, in public policy. At William & Mary, he was inducted into Sigma Alpha Epsilon (Virginia Kappa) in 1991. He served his chapter in several roles, including Eminent Deputy Archon and Special Events Chairman. He made many lifelong friendships and memories during his time in Williamsburg – including many late nights at the Green Leafe and an infamous boat party in Alexandria. After his undergraduate studies, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue his passion for law. In 1996, he graduated from Emory University’s School of Law with a Juris doctorate.

Throughout his career, Mike practiced real estate law representing companies that develop, build, and invest in commercial, mixed-use, and residential real estate projects throughout the United States and abroad. His practice also included corporate law, focusing on charitable and non-profit organizations. Over the years, he was a partner with Seyfarth Shaw and DLA Piper, as well as a few other firms. He taught at the University of Georgia Law School and wrote, as well, many papers on his expertise in Community Association Law.

In 2007, Mike married Merideth Radney and they brought a beautiful daughter, Harper Leigh Rodgers, into the world in 2009. Mike soon found himself planning kid birthday parties, coaching 4-year old soccer and dressing up as a princess. He was a devoted father who didn’t miss a soccer game, gymnastics meet or school event. He had many fond memories with Harper traveling the world, including a cooking class in Paris, her first birthday in Florence, Italy and horseback riding in Ireland.

Mike’s other passion was his commitment to SAE fraternity. Rodgers’s alumnus service to the fraternity spans 31 years, including serving on the Supreme Council and culminating as Eminent Supreme Archon. His past roles include President and Director for SAE Financial & Housing Corporation, Province Epsilon-Alpha Archon, Province Epsilon Archon, Virginia Kappa Alumni Association President, Greater Atlanta Alumni Association Director, and Georgia Phi Chapter Advisor. He was a faculty member at numerous national, regional, and province leadership schools, including the John O. Moseley Leadership School, the DeVotie Ritual Institute, and the Executives Academy.

The Fraternity recognized Mike as Province Archon of the Year Award and with the Order of the Lion Award, Order of Minerva Award, Merit Key Award, and its highest recognition, the Distinguished Service Award, for his commitment and service to the Fraternity. He also received the Bob Cousins Zeal Award for his sustained contributions to the Greater Atlanta Alumni Association.

Mike is survived by his father, Stephen; his mother, Nancy Sherman; his brother, Patrick; his daughter, Harper; her mother, Merideth; and his beloved dog, Dixie Belle.

Let us not forget Mike’s beacon of encouragement for all of us to stay in the light—to be brighter no matter what comes our way. He exemplified the importance of maintaining friendships, pursuing knowledge, and serving others to the best of his ability—all cornerstones of the SAE Fraternity and life. Life is about love, love of self, love of others, love of the planet on which we live, and most importantly, love of God. Mike was the personification of life and love.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 4th at 11 am at All Saints Episcopal Church, 634 West Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30308.

Burial will be held on Saturday, December 9th at 1 pm at Thornrose Cemetery 1041 West Beverley Street Staunton, VA 24401.

Donations can be made to the SAE Foundation (1856 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60201. The donor should identify “FBO Virginia Kappa Robert S. Dutro Chapter Education Fund, In Memory of Michael S. Rodgers” on mailed check memo line).