Obituary: USAF Lt. Col. William Arthur Rose

Lt. Col. William Arthur Rose (USAF Ret.) was born Sept. 7, 1938, in Orlando, Florida, and passed away peacefully in his sleep at age 77 on May 2, 2016, in Windermere, Florida. He was born at Florida Sanitarium and Hospital (Florida Hospital) in Orlando, Florida, to Johanna Sofie and Ralph Emerson Rose. His younger days were spent in various cities in the South with his Salvation Army officer parents.

Following graduation from Miami Jackson High School in Miami, Florida, in 1956, and kick-starting his first career as an officer in the United States Air Force (USAF), Lt. Col. Rose pursued higher education with a bachelor’s degree in business management from Florida State University in 1965 and a Master of Business Administration from Florida State University in 1968.

He graduated from the Defense System Management College in 1973 and from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 1977.

Most who knew him from the neighborhood or church would describe him as selflessly devoted to his community. However, chances are if you met Bill after his move to Windermere in 1987, you didn’t know about his distinguished military career, rich in devotion to his country.

During 21 years of service in the United States Air Force, Bill served in Vietnam as a navigator with more than 1,000 combat hours culminating in the Distinguished Flying Cross decoration.

His specialized knowledge in Department of Defense procurement earned him widespread respect in the defense contractor community. After military retirement, he was a procurement manager for Martin Marietta and Coleman Research Corporation. His church and community service is too much to list, but closest to his heart was his more than 20 years of service with Rotary Club of Windermere.  

Bill loved camping. His children have fond memories of adventures in the Holiday Rambler travel trailer in the Smoky Mountains and national parks across the country. He enjoyed fishing, from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico, to the Butler Chain of Lakes. Bill also loved FSU football, attending games for more than 25 years, including Florida State’s most recent national championship. Bill was an intrepid travel planner, and Bill and Joyce enjoyed numerous world travels.

Most of all, he was cherished by his large family. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joyce; his brother, Ralph; and his sister, Patricia. Bill and Joyce have two daughters and two sons, Barbara, Allison, James and Michael; 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rotary Club of Windermere, Attn: Youth Services, P.O. Box 687, Windermere, FL 34786.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Woodlawn Funeral Home. The family has scheduled his funeral service at the First Baptist Church of Windermere, 300 Main St., Windermere, Florida, on Saturday May 7, 2016. Viewing is at 9 a.m., with services at 10. Burial with military honors will follow at Greenwood Cemetery,1603 Greenwood Street, Orlando.