Shawn Rodgers, Dewey Beach Exxon owner
Shawn Rodgers passed away Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, surrounded by the family and friends he loved. He was born Sept. 4, 1959, to Edward S. and Provi Rodgers in Lewes. Born and raised in Delaware, Shawn split his childhood between Wilmington and Dewey Beach. Before making their permanent move to the beach in the 1970s, the Rodgers family spent their summers working the family business they’ve owned for generations.
Shawn's youth was spent working the counter at the Exxon station and working in his father’s restaurant, The Islander, with his siblings. Upon graduating high school in 1977, Shawn took over the station himself and converted a part of the Exxon into a garage. This is when Shawn began working on cars with his brother, Edward Rodgers, better known as Bink. Some years later in 1981, Shawn met his wife and love of his life, Angela Rice. In 1992, they had their beloved son, Dylan Rodgers. As soon as Dylan was old enough to work the counter, he spent every day at the Exxon with his father.
The two spent many years building the Exxon station into what it is known as today, a staple in Dewey Beach. It is where they spent their days interacting with the community and their friends, working on cars, and staying late into the night to serve bar patrons at the store, long after everyone else was closed. It is where they watched the many generations of “Dewey Groms” grow up summer after summer, hanging out in the parking lot every day. Over the years, Shawn and Dylan worked with countless close friends and family members. People still stop by to say, “I used to work here in 19- -!”
Shawn’s biggest passion was fishing with his plethora of close friends and family, and he often went on overnight trips hoping to catch the biggest tuna they could find. Whether fishing or catching, they always had fun. If Shawn wasn’t fishing, he took every opportunity to teach customers coming into the Exxon about the right bait and tackle to use and the best local spots to go.
Later in life, Shawn loved to take trips to his mother’s home in Puerto Rico with his wife and son, and oftentimes their entire extended family. It is the place where he fished, explored, and lived life to the fullest.
Shawn made an impact on just about everyone who came into the Exxon and on the community of Dewey Beach. Customers frequently come into the shop to share stories and fond memories of times he helped them or made them laugh. He will not be forgotten and will surely be remembered by his massive community of friends.
Shawn is survived by his loving wife, Angela Rice, son, Dylan Rodgers; bonus son, Andrew Fagg; family dog, Kai; sister Maria Townsend, spouse Bill Townsend, and their children Tina Townsend and Rebecca Townsend; as well as his niece, Chelsey Warner. In addition, he is survived by his sister, Evelyn Abel, spouse Michael, and Evelyn’s children Sondra Anzalone and Derek Abel. Shawn also has many nieces, nephews, and extended family, who love him dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward S. and Provi Rodgers; and his brother, Edward (Bink) Rodgers.
Services will be held at noon, Friday, Nov. 15, at Conley’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 33106 Jolyns Way, Lewes. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, consider the gift of life, an organ donation. It is the ultimate symbol of kindness; pay it forward.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.
