James ‘Dick’ R. Rose, III was born in St. Petersburg, FL on August 23, 1926 and passed away on Sunday March 7. Dick enjoyed a long and wonderful life. His faith in the Lord and his love of family were the most important aspects of his life.
On December 25, 1950 he married Georgeanne Howard Rose and together had five children. Georgeanne passed away on October 11, 2002. Following Georgeanne’s death Dick became reacquainted with his childhood girlfriend, Sally Wilhoit McBryde, and later they were married in Winter Park, FL.
Dick graduated from Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach and was a graduate of Stetson University. He served in the United States Army Air Corps in WWII as an aerial gunner in the 423rd Bomber Squadron and was stationed in Northern Africa. After graduating from college, Dick joined the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company where he built a career with assignments throughout the country including one appointment in the New York City company headquarters. Dick retired from Metropolitan Life and after a brief time joined Merrill Lynch’s insurance division serving as vice president for compliance.
Following his second retirement, while living in Lake Monticello, VA, Dick amassed a voluminous collection of big band and jazz music and shared that music and his vast knowledge as “Ol’ Grooves,” the co-host of a radio show on WUVA public radio. Dick and Sally settled on Sugar Mountain, NC where they hiked mountain trails and loved photographing the Blue Ridge’s wild flowers.
In his eighties, Dick developed yet another interest: vintage cars. He owned, restored and cared for a 1969 Volkswagen Beetle (Loosey), a 1969 Volkswagen Beetle (Ol’ Yella) a 1964 Volkswagen Beetle (Candy), a 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider (Alfie) and a 1990 Jaguar XJS (Limey).
In addition to Georgeanne, Dick was preceded in death by his parents, James ‘Dick’ R. II and Mable C. Rose, and his brother, Linwood H. Rose. He is survived by his wife, Sally; by five children, Linwood H. Rose (Judith), Bradenton, FL, Richard O. Rose (Karen), York Haven, PA, Margaret Grieshaber (Al), Vero Beach, FL, Charles H. Rose (Carolyn), Columbia, MD, and Thomas D. Rose, Shipman, VA.; and by four step-children John Malcolm McBryde (Theda), Wabash, IN, Hugh Darby McBryde (Monica), Plains, MT, Ryan Lloyd McBryde (Laura), Winter Park, FL, and Frances McBryde Wilder, Seattle, WA. Dick had a special affection for his grandchildren including T.J., Nikki, John, Scott, Bill, Caitlin and Charlie; and, his great grandchildren Nina, Giovanni, Chase, Sloane, Antonio, Zane, and Leana.
The family is especially grateful to Shannon and Casey Hughes in North Carolina for their friendship and care for Dick and Sally who always went the extra mile. Many thanks also go to the health care professionals who looked after Dick’s medical and support requirements.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Dick’s last question was, “Did you get all my VISA rewards points converted to cash and deposited to my account?”
A memorial service and internment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a date yet to be determined.
