Billy Lee Rose, 83, of Round Rock Texas, went to his maker and those that passed before him, after a long struggle with congestive heart failure, at home on March 15, 2018. Bill, the son of James Bays Rose and Mattie Lou (Womble) Rose, was born in Kings Mill, Texas on September 13, 1934.
Bill grew up in Pampa and attended Pampa High School. He worked in the oil fields with his brother Bob prior to enlisting in the Navy in January 1952. He met the love of his life and best friend, Jennie (Virginia) while both proudly serving in the United States Navy and attending school at Bainbridge Naval Training Center in Maryland. His military career allowed the family to travel the world when he was stationed in Japan, Germany and Scotland. During his career, he witnessed and participated in numerous interesting historical milestones. One of which was his participation in Operation Wigwam, the underwater testing of a nuclear weapon off the coast of California in 1955. Bill was part of the Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) attached to NSA for the better part of his career. He retired after 23 years of service as an Aerographers Mate Master Chief in 1974. Bill began his second successful career working for the IRS in Austin before retiring again after 20 years.
Bill experienced and accomplished many wonderful things. He was an exceptional husband, father and grandfather. He and Jennie celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary last August. Bill was very strong mentally and physically, surviving both Colon cancer and Lymphoma. His strength’s were an inspiration to family and friends alike. After Bill retired from the Navy, he and Jennie immensely enjoyed road trips -traveling to various ship and high school reunions throughout the United States. Bill’s hobbies were working on automobiles, difficult crossword puzzles and tinkering around the house. His children and grandchildren knew he could fix anything.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife Jennie, son Jeffrey Rose Sr. (Melinda Cook McDonald), daughter Kathy Rose-Ray, brother Bob Rose (Marylin), sisters Dorothy (Carroll Smith) and Patsy (Gary Havenhill) Also surviving Bill are his grandchildren Jeffrey Rose Jr., Nathan Rose, Chelsea Ray, and Zach Ray, as well as numerous wonderful nephews and nieces.
The family would like to thank Dr. Sujata Jere, Dr. Joseph Imsais, Dr. Al Ahmed and their staff. They would also like to thank the nurses at St. David’s, Silverado Hospice especially Alex and Nancy, as well as Josie and Valerie from Nurse Next Door for their care and compassion.
The visitation will be held Monday, March 19, 2018, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, Texas. Final services and interment will be held Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville.
Please visit www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com where you may leave condolences and share memories with Bill’s family.
