Edward Ray Rose

ROCKY MOUNT - Edward Ray Rose, 96, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 14, 2023. He resided at Brekenridge Retirement Center in Rocky Mount, NC with Hospice recently providing compassionate care. He was surrounded by family. Ed was born December 7, 1926, in Whitakers, NC. He was one of ten children born to William Henry Rose, Jr and Julia Ann Dixon. He spent his childhood living in the family home in Enfield. He was preceded in death by parents and each of his siblings. His wife of 61 years, Phyllis Levensaler Rose, preceded her husband in death as well as a daughter, Brenda Leigh Rose. Edward Rose leaves behind to cherish the memories of his life two children, Ronald Stewart VanBuren (Karen), and Debra Rose Hamilton (Bill), Also, four grandchildren, Kathryn Lane Miller (Dan) and Thomas Clay VanBuren (Katherine); also, Shane Allan McClellan and Bryce Thomas McClellan. Finally, five great-grandchildren, Mary Ainsley Miller and Daniel Coen Miller; also, James Cash Pressley, Frances P. VanBuren and Riker P. VanBuren. Ed, or “Uncle Eddie”, as commonly called by friends and family, lived a long, productive, and honorable life. He is a WWII Veteran, joining the Navy at 18, until his Honorable discharge in early 1946. Returning to the family home in Enfield, NC, Ed soon joined two older brothers and a sister who lived and worked in Washington, DC. He worked alongside his two brothers at Federal Storage Co, beginning in 1946 (becoming Security Storage, 1963, now Secor Group, 2011). Over the next 46 years, Ed held several positions, Branch Manager of Tysons Corner office (12 yrs.); Company’s Quality Control Manager (5 yrs.); and finally, Fleet Manager for the Company (28 yrs.) until his retirement in 1992. Soon after both Ed and wife, Phyllis’ retirements, they returned to North Carolina, in 1996, to make a new home. They lived in the Oak Level area of Nashville. Their home was the place where family and friends would visit often. Their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all liked calling the home their home, too. The many holiday gatherings and special events enjoyed over the next 26 years left each person with fond memories that will live in their hearts forevermore.Ed will be fondly remembered by family as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who valued and supported not only his own immediate family, but also the large community of Rose relatives. From 1993 until 2015 when age and illness slowed him down, he hosted with other Rose relatives an annual Rose Reunion. Ed enjoyed being with family, both immediate and extended. Ed is remembered in the community as a valued and trusted friend always willing to help. As an active member of Oak Level Baptist Church, he freely gave of his time to support the Church and its ministries. As long-time member of Oak Level Ruritans, he is known for his leadership and his cooking skills, which he used for its annual chicken dinner fundraiser among others. Privately, he generously gave to many church, civic, and humanitarian organizations.The family will receive friends and relatives Saturday, February 25, 2023, with a Visitation at Oak Level Baptist Church, 3598 Oak Level Rd, Rocky Mount, from 10:00 – 11:00AM. Funeral services will immediately follow at the church beginning at 11:00 AM with Pastor Rick Downing officiating. A private family internment will follow at a later date. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, you consider gifts in Edward Rose’s name be made to any of the following: Oak Level Baptist Church, Hospice of Nash Hospital, Samaritan’s Purse, Wounded Warriors or a charity of your choice.The family wishes to give special thanks to both the staff of Brekenridge Retirement Center and of Hospice of Nash for their special assistance and compassionate care to the family. Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.