Ronceverte-William “Bill” Rose, 83, passed away Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, at Peyton Hospice House in Fairlea.
He was born on Dec. 10, 1938, in Fort Spring. He was the son of James Henry Rose and Goldie Marie Hicks Barb.
Bill wore many hats throughout his working years. He graduated from Huntington Barber College in 1957 and worked as a barber for Donald McKnight at McKnight’s Barber Shop in Ronceverte for an extended period.
As a graduate of Reisch American School of Auctioneering in 1967, Bill enjoyed a side hustle of auctioning until the last few years when his struggle with COPD would no longer allow the extra breath needed for auctioning. His father owned a rock quarry where Bill would often help with rock blasting and hauling gravel. He later worked for the WV Division of Highways, building roads where an abundance of crushed rock with a natural by-product of rock dust was used. This exposure to silica dust would set in motion the development and progression of a serious lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis-COPD, which greatly affected his quality of life in later years and led to a devastating and heartbreaking end.
Bill served the city of Ronceverte for over 60 years as a member of the Ronceverte Volunteer Fire Department. He joined in 1957 and was presented Lifetime Membership recognition in 2017. Perhaps his most well-known role was Ronceverte Chief of Police. He served the city for over 35 years in this capacity. Many stories of experiences with Bill as a law enforcement officer have been shared with his family. Most recently, were heartwarming accounts and memories from nurses and other health workers who took such loving care of our beloved father/grandfather throughout his three-week hospital stay and transition to Peyton Hospice House.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Eades Rose, in 2004. They were married for 45 years and had four daughters. He was also preceded by siblings, Pat Nichols and James “Jim” Rose.
He will be loving remembered by his loyal partner, Rita Campbell, of Ronceverte; daughters, Debby Baker, Donna Rose, Diana Hinkley (Bobby), Crissy Bennett (Jimmy), all of Ronceverte; grandchildren, Robin Helmick, Matthew Hinkley, Jared Fox, Brittany Duncan (Cody), Tori Bennett; great-grandchildren, Emma and Reagan Helmick, Alexis and Asher Bennett; sisters, Maria Hachtmann, of Union, Dona Butuyan of Auburn, WA, and Cynthia Bridges of Crossville, TN; brothers, Ricardo Butuyan of Ronceverte, and David Barb, of Union; and numerous nieces and nephews he adored.
Family and friends were received Thursday evening, Dec. 8, at Ronceverte Baptist Church. Services will be on Friday, Dec. 9, at 1 p.m. at the Ronceverte Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Mount Vernon Cemetery at Sinks Grove.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Peyton Hospice House in Fairlea, WV.
Bill’s family would like to express their deep appreciation to Dr. Mellette, the 3rd floor staff of Greenbrier Valley Medical Center and the caregivers at Peyton Hospice House who were so caring and attentive, throughout this very difficult time. We are also grateful to have had Lynn Yates on “Team Bill” as a caregiver who was considered a member of the family.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Ronceverte is in charge of arrangements. Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com
