James Clifton “Cliff” Rose

ROCKY MOUNT - James Clifton "Cliff" Rose, age 97, passed away on Monday, January 17, 2022. Cliff was born in Nash County, NC on December 16, 1924. He was the son of the late Lucy Williams Rose, and was born into a large family of 13 brothers and sisters. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, WT Rose, Junior Rose, Alma Clarida, Alvin "Babs" Rose, Christine Pierce, Doris Griffin, and Helen Jones. Cliff was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to all. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was always quick with a smile. He cut short his education to move into the workforce to help support his mother and family. This devotion to family continued when he started his own family. Working both fulltime and various side jobs, Cliff always made sure his family was secure and loved. They always felt they had everything they needed. He had this same devotion to his friends. Always there to provide a helping hand and a smile. Cliff retired from CSX Railroad, previously Seaboard Coast Line Railroad, after 30 years of service where he rose to the position of Round House Supervisor. His capabilities and experience were acknowledged and rewarded. Cliff was very athletic. He excelled in all levels of sports where he achieved many awards and honors. He was a star Semi-pro baseball player where he once hit two homeruns on future hall of famer Gaylord Perry. One to extend the game to extra innings and then to win the game with a homerun. He played softball several years at a high level. He started playing golf in midlife excelling to win multiple tournaments and club championships while enjoying the comradery of friends well into his senior years. He also competed in the Senior Olympics winning many medals, and enjoyed bowling in senior leagues. He was an excellent pool player too. There was no athletic challenge where he didn't excel. Cliff was an active member of Sunset Avenue Baptist church. He accepted Christ as his lord and savior in the presence of family and friends. This was a very proud moment for him and his family. Cliff was a veteran of the US Army and fought bravely in Germany in WWII under General Patton where he received the Purple Heart. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 58 for 30 years. Cliff is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Anise Poland Rose; his sons, Clifton "Wayne" Rose of Irving, TX and Michael "Mike" James Rose, Sr. of Cumming, GA; his grandchildren, Michael James Rose, Jr. and wife Rebecca of Chicago, IL; Colby Hamilton Rose and wife Kate of Katy, TX; and Lyndsay Michelle Rose of Madrid, Spain; his great-grandchildren, Lincoln Hamilton Rose, Monroe Valery Rose, Michael James Rose, III, and Nolan Patrick Rose; his sisters, Aileen Davis of Red Oak, Joyce Ellis of Rocky Mount, and Ann Varnell of Rocky Mount; his brothers, Eugene Rose of Rocky Mount, A J Rose of Greensboro, and Ronald Rose (Pap) of Rocky Mount; and many nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service to celebrate Cliff's life will be held on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Sunset Avenue Baptist Church, 3732 Sunset Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Dr. Robin Fisher officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. The family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, February 5, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Sunset Avenue Baptist Church prior to the funeral service. Flowers are welcome. Also, donations may be made to the American Legion Post #58 in Cliff's memory. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Sunset Avenue Baptist Church 3732 Sunset Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-443-2531 --> | Saturday 2/5, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm The family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, February 5, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Sunset Avenue Baptist Church prior to the funeral service. Service Sunset Avenue Baptist Church 3732 Sunset Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-443-2531 --> | Saturday 2/5, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm A Funeral Service to celebrate Cliff's life will be held on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Sunset Avenue Baptist Church, 3732 Sunset Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Dr. Robin Fisher officiating. Cemetery Rocky Mount Memorial Park 4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Saturday 2/5, 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.