“Take it to Roger,” that is the phrase that many have spoken over the years when they have found themselves with a broken heel or strap on a tote bag. Roger Freels is a shoe cobbler who owns a shop in the town of Bearden, Tennessee, known as Roger’s Shoe and Luggage Repair. While Roger is a shoe cobbler by trade, the heart of his business lies in ministry. No one is considered a customer at his shop, but a dear friend. He has met many special faces along the way, including: Mary Costa, David Keith, the local news team, and countless members of UT athletics. This shop is a special little place that Roger considers his second home. “Before Petco took over, across the breezeway were several little shops. One of those shops being a Japanese market where I watched their son grow up over the years and become a doctor. Next door is We Three wig shop where Dolly Parton used to come for her wigs,” he said.

Roger was fresh out of the army in the year 1980. He worked several little jobs before he went to the job service in Oak Ridge, which lead him to Hall’s Shoes in Jackson Square and he quickly learned the trade of being a shoe cobbler. After a few years, he went to run a shop in Knox Plaza, where he has been since 1986. He bought the shop in 1988 and it became what is now known as Roger’s Shoe and Luggage Repair. While he specializes in shoe repair, Roger has worked on just about everything. From large American flags, to basketballs and pool covers, he does it all. He definitley lives up to the phrase “take it to Roger!” While he is certainly talented at what he does, the real joy for him lies in the friends that he meets and the ministry that he provides in this little shop.

Roger hasn’t always lived a life of Faith. It wasn’t until he was 38 years old that he found himself down on his knees in his shop asking for Jesus Christ to enter his heart. After devoting his life to The Lord, Roger made it his mission to provide ministry through his work. He does so by praying for his customers, taking up used shoe donations for KARM, handing out free bibles, and sometimes sitting outside his shop late after hours to give comfort and hope to the homeless who have wandered by. Roger has also written around 30 poems that he has been able to share with those who may be struggling. “With my business I have never worried about the money, but God has always provided,” Roger said. His shop is a true testament of God’s calling upon us. When Roger isn’t at the shop he enjoys spending time with his family, going fishing, and attending his church in Harriman. As he nears retirement, Roger gives thanks to all the wonderful people that he has met along the way and the fulfillment that his job as a shoe cobbler has given him for 30+ years. His story is a true testament of faith and God’s divine timing.