March 28, 2026, 83, Goldsboro – Garrett Lee Rogers, a well-known cardiologist and businessman, passed away on March 28, 2026, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, after a long and full life marked by ambition, intellect, and a drive to make his mark on the world. He passed peacefully at home that afternoon with his longtime friend and caregiver, Paula Showman, by his side.
Born on June 25, 1942, in Canyon, Texas, Garrett was the son of Norma Ruth Sharp and Robert “Mack” Rogers. He grew up in Colorado, where he stood out early for his athletic ability, intelligence, and vivacious personality. In high school, he lettered in five sports, served as quarterback of the football team, and was named homecoming king. He was also valedictorian. There, he met Virginia “Ginny” Estelle Foster, the homecoming queen and head cheerleader. They married during their senior year of high school and welcomed their son, Robert.
Garrett later married Elizabeth Ann, with whom he had two children, Sean and Stephanie.
Garrett attended the University of Texas at Austin before earning his Master of Science in 1969 and his medical degree in 1974 from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. He went on to complete his internship, residency, and cardiology fellowship at Duke University Medical Center. Thirty years later, he also earned his MBA from Duke University, which he used to expand healthcare access for those around him.
As a cardiologist, Garrett worked at the forefront of advancing heart care. He traveled to mainland China as it opened to Western physicians to teach Chinese doctors balloon angioplasty. He often spoke about being treated like a dignitary during his visit, including a trip to Tiananmen Square to see Mao’s crystal casket. It was one of many stories from a career that reached far beyond his own community.
Garrett began his medical career in Waco, Texas, practicing there until 1986 before returning to North Carolina. After leaving Texas, he worked in Greenville at Regional Cardiology for more than 30 years. He later settled in Goldsboro, where he continued caring for patients throughout eastern North Carolina.
In addition to more than 50 years in medicine, Garrett was an entrepreneur. He founded PrimeCare Physicians, P.A., in Goldsboro, as well as SeaCoast Cardiology Consultants, PLLC, in both Jacksonville and Goldsboro, always seeking ways to better serve others.
Garrett was strong-willed, complex, driven, and competitive. He leaves behind a legacy of accomplishments, stories, and experiences.
He is survived by his children, Sean Michael Rogers (wife, Kimberly) and Stephanie Allison Rogers (husband, Kevin Segall). He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Frank Rogers.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Erica Ruth Rogers Hill, Richard Foster Rogers, Anna Reese Rogers, and Dylan Cal Rogers; and his great-grandchildren, Karissa Ann Hill and Anthony Robert Hill.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Tommy Eugene (Gene) Rogers and Richard (Rick) Lyndel Rogers.
Above all, Garrett was generous with his family. He shared a special bond with his grandson, who lovingly called him “Grandpapa.” He believed deeply in education and supported his children, their spouses, and his grandchildren in pursuing their education at different stages of their lives. As the first in the Rogers family to attend college, he set a path that would later be followed and expanded upon by future generations.
He will be remembered for the many ways he showed up throughout his life—for his family, in both presence and complexity, and for a long and accomplished career that created opportunities for others along the way.
Celebration of life will take place Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Seymour Funeral Home.
Services entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service Inc.
