Rose, Joseph Ethan, Jr. died on June 16, 2021 at age 99. Joe was born in Wilmington, NC on February 17, 1922 to Joseph Ethan Rose, Sr. and Zachary Richardson Rose. As a young boy, Joe received many music scholarships which prepared him for a lifetime of performances and a love of playing the violin. Joe’s parents made every sacrifice to ensure he received the best education from the finest teachers in Wilmington, NC. He was once described as “the best young violinist in North Carolina”. Joe played with the Jacksonville Symphony and after retirement with the First Coast Pops. He continued to play as first chair violinist with the Pops until December 2016.
After graduating salutatorian of his high school class, he received a music scholarship to the University of Chicago. This was during World War II, so Joe made the decision to serve his country and enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1942.
Joe later worked for the Atlantic Coastline Railroad (CSX) and retired with 42 years of service.
One of his passions was his love of boats and collecting and racing hydroplanes. Joe continued to race until age 35, when he met and married the love of his life, Virginia (Ginny) Lewis. Joe and Ginny had one child whom they affectionately nicknamed Ginny Lu.
After retirement from the railroad, Joe began his next chapter which included serving on the Board of The Waterside Condominiums, volunteering at Memorial Hospital for over 20 years, serving his church Arlington United Methodist in many capacities — singing in the choir, playing the violin almost every Sunday, working in the front office, Methodist Men, and of course, playing with the First Coast Pops. His greatest joy was being grandfather to his only grandchild, Alexandria Rose Taylor. He was blessed to see her graduate high school, college, and law school which made him proud beyond words!
Above all Joe’s accomplishments, his best role was husband, father, granddad, father-in-law, and friend to so many. He was always available to take friends to the doctor, sit with you in the hospital, help with a home repair, or assist with anything a loved one needed. His capacity for love and kindness was immeasurable.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, as well as his sister Alice Rose Graves and his beloved brother, David Rose. He will be missed by his daughter Ginny Taylor, son-in-law Mark Taylor, and granddaughter Alex Taylor. We will always remember his thoughtfulness and gentle nature. He was an original treasure, a true gentleman, and the light of our lives!
A private family burial will take place with a celebration of his life at a later date. Services are provided by Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207.
The best remembrance to Joe would be to spend time with a friend or loved one, always choose kindness, and not forget to tell those around you how much you love them.
Please visit www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com to leave words of comfort for the family. Arrangements under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207, (904)-737-7171.
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