Joseph Clyde Rose

On January 31, 2024, at the age of 81, Joe passed peacefully at home in Pensacola, Florida, with his loving wife Mary at his bedside with other family members present. Joe is now in the presence of our Lord and Savior.

Joe was born on a cold day in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Marylou (Parkhouse) and Richard Rose on January 23 1943. As a young boy, Joe attended the Allendale boarding school for boys in Lake Villa Illinois. Thereafter, he went to Waukegan High School in Waukegan, Illinois. Then he went to Auto Mechanic School. At the age of seventeen, Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force until he was honorably discharged.

Joe wore many titles: Husband, Pop, Dad, Brother, Papaw, Uncle, and Friend to many. Joe was a trucker by trade and worked in the trucking industry for several years, owning his own trucking business before transitioning into auto sales. He was a salesman through and through and loved to make a deal. (Sale)

Joe held memberships in the Loyal Order of Moose, International Brotherhood of Teamsters Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and helpers of America. Professional Driver for Entertainers among others.

In 1979, Joe moved to Pensacola to be near his sister Shari. In 1985, Joe met and married Mary White Jones Rose and gained a son, Ashly, and a daughter: Holly. Joe raised them as his own. He was a devoted husband and father.

Among other dealerships, Joe was a proud used car salesman and manager for Vince Whibbs Pontiac GMAC of Pensacola and enjoyed working with the men and women of integrity known as the "Whibbs" family. Joe loved anything mechanical. He was an amazing handy man, jack of all trades. He could fix almost anything. Joe had a passion for helping people, and he was happy to help his family, friends, and neighbors when the opportunity arose.

Among Joe's fondest jobs was working for Whispering Bill Anderson, the country music singer and songwriter legend. Joe was his chauffeur and bodyguard. Joe refurbished Bill's bus, known as the "Silver Eagle." They would tour all across the United States, Canada, and Europe. He loved being back stage at the grand ole opry and meeting the nicest people ever, such as Minnie Pearl, Grandpa Jones, Mickey Gilley, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Pardon, Barbara Mandrell, Ricky Skaggs, Glen Campbell, Roy Acuff, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Ernest Tubb and the list goes on. A song for Joe "DOO-DAH" Rose was recorded and dedicated to him by the "Backstage at the Grand Old Opry Production Staff" after he flunked one part (actor) he was given to do on the set of "One life to Live".

Joe loved White Christmases in Chicago with his family and friends, Broadway musicals, antique and restored classic car shows, and fun trips to Las Vegas.He enjoyed refurbishing, rebuilding, or detailing cars, motorcycles (especially Goldwings), lawn mowers, or anything that had a motor. He also liked to build race cars and race with the likes of "Dick Trickle" on the HUGH DEERY'S Rockford Speedway in Loves Park Illinois in the 70s. He was an avid race fan, Nascar, NHRA, drag racing, Indy 500, top fuel, dirt track, etc. Favorite drivers: Richard Petty, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, John Force, Mario Andretti, and others.

In his personal life as well as professional life, Joe was known for being diligent, organized, conscientious, and a perfectionist. Joe was a man true to his word and expected the same from you. He was honest, had a unique sense of humor, was smart, compassionate, stern but fair. He was a man of few words with a strong work ethic. Joe was a big teddy bear with a big personality. Joe was loved and respected by most.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife Mary of 39 years. Sons: Scott (Shannan) Rose, Mark Rose.

Stepson: Ashly Bazzell. Step daughter:Holly Rowehl. Sister: Shari Westgate. Half Sister: Annette McNeely. Half brother: Ronald (Sherry) Rose. Sister-n-law: Sandra (John) Thompson & Diane Eakes White. Brother-n- law: Phillip White, Steve (Pam) White, Tony White, David (Dena) White. Best friends: Skip Deedon, Kip Dye, Tony White, Sean Vollendorf, and Bill Anderson. 10 grandchildren. 5 great grandchildren. A host of nieces and nephews and other extended family members.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother: Marylou Parkhouse Rose. Father: Richard Rose. His beloved stepmother: Germaine Vander Louis Kaspar Rose. (Gerry) Maternal grandmother: Edythe Parkhouse.

Mother-n-law: Cecile Elizabeth McRoy White. Father-in-law: John Parke White Jr. Stepson: Michael S Simpson. Former wife and mother to their children: Emily Simpson Rose Leonardi. Sister-n-law: Elizabeth Robertson & Lori A Sidner. Brother-n-law: Norman Westgate, John P White lll, and Michael L White.

Best friends: Dennis Burgan and Roger Larson. Beloved fur babies: Jake, J.J. and Baby Girl.

Sending much love and appreciation to Dr. Mickey Daum and his assistant Ms. Sandy at Family Medicine Westside on Hwy 98 for their care, kindness, and loyalty to the very end.

Big thank you to Tony White!!! Joe and I are truly so grateful for all you did helping us get through this difficult time.

Emerald Coast Hospice: The family wishes to express their heartfelt "Thank You" for your excellent care given to Joe over the past six months, especially the following nurses that made a difference: Penny Lane, Barbara, Connie, Phillip and Ab. Chaplain Janice, and Case manager Lacey,

Joe was the Rock in our family and will be missed for the remainder of our days here on earth.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 12:00 pm until the Memorial Service starts at 1:00pm at Oaklawn Funeral Home.

After the service we will have a Police escorted procession to Barrancas National Cemetery for a brief ceremony and committal.