April 8, 2022, 77, Jacksonville –
Joseph Bryant “Joe” Rose, Jr. passed away on Friday evening, April 8, 2022. Joe was born in Johnston County to the late Joseph Bryant Rose, Sr. and Anne Smith Rose on April 21, 1944.
Possessing a deep love for automobiles and extensive knowledge of their parts, Joe owned and operated Lenoir Auto Parts for over forty years. Additionally, he spent 12 years as a salesman at Marine Chevrolet and another 6 years at Moore Buick. He was prized for his knowledge working in the parts department. Corvettes were Joe’s personal car of choice throughout all of his years. While the color selection changed from time to time, there was no color of which he was fonder than bright red.
Always even-tempered, everyone who met Joe instantly liked him. Never one to get mad, he had a permanent smile on his face and many kind words to offer. Strangers quickly became friends as Joe could strike up a conversation with anyone. Spoken words were few, but each word was worth your time listening. Wise in thought and slow to speak, he knew when to share his mind and when to keep his opinions to himself.
Hardworking as they come, Joe never slowed down. There was no place he’d rather be than on the job, and those with whom he worked knew he loved them like family. Dependable to the core, Joe never missed more than two days of work in his entire career.
Around the home, Joe kept just as busy. Working in his yard was a constant delight as he cared for his flowers and maintained a perfect lawn. Always dressed in a pair of khakis and a button-down shirt, he looked more as if he was headed to work than to play in the dirt. His only time of true relaxation was Sunday afternoons with his weekly trip to Lowes or Home Depot. A purchase list wasn’t necessary; time to look around at leisure was the only thing needed.
Joe first met his love, Claudia, in passing, but really got connected later while making the circle at the drive-ins in Kinston. Though Joe was riding in his prized Corvette, Claudia hardly noticed his car for the eyes she set on Joe. A marriage that lasted nearly 52 years, the two made a happy home together where they raised their two children. Joe’s love for his wife was compounded in that he felt for his children, and the grandchildren that came along each held a special place in his heart.
Never assuming, Joe took people at their word. Always looking on the bright side of things, negative thoughts hardly ever crossed his mind and were never spoken from his lips. He was willing to do anything for anyone but never asked for anything in return. He’d go out of his way to ensure he wasn’t a burden on anyone else.
A service to remember Joe’s life will be held by the graveside at Mewborn Cemetery (450 Mewborn Cemetery Road, La Grange, NC 28551) at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 with Pastor Wade Parker officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
Joe is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Claudia Mewborn Rose; daughter; Crystal Rose Williams and husband, Phillip; son, Joseph Bryant “Joe” Rose, III and wife, Amanda; grandchildren, Kaylee Rose, Caleb Rose, Matthew Williams, and Nicholas Williams; sister, Becky Williams; and brother, Jim Rose and wife, Rhonda.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to the Mewborn Cemetery Fund, c/o Brad Fields, 2103 Titus Mewborn Road, La Grange, NC 28551. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
