Donnie Melvin Rose
Class of 1963

Donnie Melvin Rose, 64, of Suffolk, died Thursday, July 2, 2009, while vacationing in Key West, Fla. He was preceded in death by Carl and Edna Rose of Portsmouth. He is survived by his brother, Carlton Rose and his wife Mary of Portsmouth; his twin brother, Dannie Rose of Portsmouth, and his children, Sam Rose and his wife Tasha and Adam Rose, all of Newport News. He was a loving granddad and leaves behind his five grandchildren, Jacob, Tyler, Madison, Cooper and Ava. Donnie was an outstanding multi-sport athlete at Cradock High School, earning a football scholarship to the University of South Carolina where he earned his bachelor's degree. Donnie's long career in sales was highlighted with many achievements and lifelong friendships. He most recently traded his passion for sales to teaching marketing at Windsor High School where he immensely enjoyed his new profession. Donnie's greatest joys were travel, fishing, hunting and telling stories with families and friends. He was known by many for his outgoing personality and sense of humor. He will be remembered as a loving dad, loyal brother and doting granddad. Family will be receiving friends from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at Alliance Church to be followed immediately by a memorial service. Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, is handling arrangements. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on 7/5/2009