Rocky Mount -

Jesse "Bobby" Rose, age 73, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully Sunday, December 1, 2024 at his home with his family by his side. Born on May 15, 1951 in Halifax, NC he was the son of James Otto Rose and Gladys Marie Rose. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Marie Johnson, Diane Rose and Bonnie Rose and brothers, Dan, Marvin, Jimmy and Steve Rose.

He is survived by his wife and soulmate of sixty years, Judy Ezzelle Rose; children, Sheila Rose Williams and Bobby Lee Rose, both of the home; brother, Roy Rose (Carolyn) of Nashville; sisters, Peggy Bottoms (Johnny) and Erma Bottoms (Jesse), all of Rocky Mount and special friends of many years, Sammy Edmonds, Ralph Peed, Wayne Pendergrass and Johnny Strickland.

Lovingly known as "PaPa", Bobby was especially proud of and adored his granddaughters, Jessica Marie Williams, Erin Nicole Sierra Williams and Averi Jade Williams and great-granddaughter, Callie Marie Tripp.

Bobby's journey began in rural Halifax County, NC where he was one of eleven children. Growing up with a large family instilled in him the importance of working together and sticking up for one another, lessons he later shared with his own family. At the age of fifteen, Bobby started working on cars alongside his father. His natural talent for understanding how things worked paved the way for a fulfilling career as a mechanic that spanned five decades. For forty of those years, he owned and operated Rose Service Center in Rocky Mount, where he built a loyal customer base and forged many lasting friendships.

When he wasn't busy at the shop, Bobby loved to unwind by fishing or catching his favorite shows on TV. He was a passionate sports fan, often cheering for Dale Earnhardt in NASCAR, the Boston Red Sox in baseball, and either the Kansas City Chiefs or the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. A truly devoted family man, Bobby was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His love for his family was immense, and he was especially proud of his granddaughters, always cheering them on. Bobby will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Not long before Bobby started working on cars with his dad, his love for Judy began at Benvenue School in the seventh grade when they were both just fourteen years old. Their love for each other has always endured through the bumps and trials along their journey throughout life together. We, his family, will always love and miss him but he is safely in the arms of our Lord and Savior, forevermore.

A private memorial will be held at a later date.