Jerald "Jerry or JR" Lee Rose, age 64, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family, on Thursday, September 25, 2014, ending his struggle with cancer.

He was born August 6, 1950, to Jess Clayton and Constance Marie (Gladstone) Rose, in Lawrence, Kansas. He attended SMU for a short time before joining the Navy in 1971, where he served on the USS Conyngham, USS Orion, USS Jason, and USS America. He retired from military service in 1984 as an officer, having served during the Vietnam War, and earning several awards: Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Battle "E" Ribbon, Good Conduct Award (twice), Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the 1976 Admiral Flatley Memorial Award with his fellow crewman on the USS America. Jerry earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Chapman College, and his Master of Arts degree from George Washington University.

In his former years, Jerry was an owner/operator for Loadtracker Logistics, where he enjoyed travelling the country in his semi and visiting friends and family during his travels. Jerry was an avid runner, having finished two marathons, as well as many other races, and was training for a half marathon. He enjoyed history, fishing, genealogy research, kayaking, and watching the New York Yankees. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

Jerry is survived by his brother, James Rose and his wife Cyndi, of Hurst, Texas; daughter Tiffanie Balero of Round Rock, TX; daughter Amy Rose and her husband James Murgolo, of Sanger, TX; daughter April McKinney and her husband Jeremie, of Richmond, IN; son Christopher Rose and fiancée Sarah Snyder of Lehighton, PA; daughter Grace Rose of Hampton, VA; nieces Jillian and Leah Harris, and Cydney Rose; nephews Wes Rose and his wife Melissa, Will Rose and his wife Jenna, and Cameron Rose; grandchildren Amanda and Anthony Balero, Levi McKinney, and Cole, Joel, and Ivy Rose; and great-granddaughter Desirae Balero. Jerry is also survived by especially wonderful friends who were family, Bobbie and Jimmy Forest, Monty and Nancy Hayes, Keith Hazelton, Roxanne King, Chris Pankau, and Gary and Kristi Snider. His dachshund truck navigator, entertainer, and canine family member, Mocha, also survives him.

Cremation services have been arranged by Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home, in Denton, TX. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.