Ertis Rodgers was born on April 30, 1936 to the parentage of Rev. Nathaniel N. and Mrs. Ozie Barber Rodgers in Marrietta, Texas. He confessed his faith to Christ and was baptized at an early age. He worshipped at many churches in Northeast Texas during his youth.

He graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in Pittsburg, Texas in 1954. While in school, he studied piano, and later used his musical talent to enrich the lives of many.

During the Korean War, Ertis served in the United States Army. Following an honorable discharge from the military, he moved to Dallas. He met and married the love of his life, Theora Perkins, and they began a family. He found great joy and enthusiasm in playing the piano and organ at a number of congregations in North Central Texas, including TrueWay House of God. He also served as a deacon at TrueWay until his transition.

Ertis was a loyal employee of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) where he worked as a bus driver for over forty years. At DART, he received a number of safety and meritorious awards along with the Million Mile Driver Award. He loved his career as a bus driver for DART. He was always punctual, and loved his riders and assigned routes. In addition, he freelanced as a charter bus driver, taking church members and other groups all over the United States for tours and engagements. In retirement, he and his family enjoyed relaxing, traveling, and attending church conferences.

Ertis had a good sense of humor, and loved passing on the tradition of storytelling to his children, a skill that he learned from his father. In addition, he was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, and enjoyed viewing games with family and friends in his cozy den.

Ertis was preceded in death by his parents Nathaniel N. and Ozie Rodgers, twin brother, Ervin Rodgers, and brothers Wilben Rodgers and Nathaniel Rodgers, Jr.

In memory, Ertis leaves a loving and devoted wife of nearly sixty years, Theora; five sons: Wendell Washington, Donald Washington (Venus), Kervin Aikins (Jackie), Kenneth Rodgers, Ertis Carl Rodgers (Gloria Dolly); and one daugher, Donna Marie Sam - all of Dallas. He was
the loving brother to sister, Mildred Rodgers Townsy; brothers Frederick Rodgers (Eddye), and Mederick Rodgers (Emma); sister-in-laws Melbalene Rodgers - Oxnard, CA, and Rose Rodgers - Atlanta, GA. He also leaves a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.