Bobby J. "Buddy" Rose

     Bobby J. “Buddy” Rose, 90, of Meridian, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones on the afternoon of June 17, 2024.

     Buddy was born to Robert and Lorene (Fason) Rose on September 12, 1933, in Clay County, Mississippi. Growing up, Buddy excelled in all athletics in school. He continued his love for baseball as #25 on the Army league, while serving in the United States Army. Buddy married the love of his life, Norma Shamburger, on August 31, 1962.  Buddy began driving a truck for Miller Transporters on April 25, 1963.  After 35 years, on April 14, 1998, he retired, proudly gaining the Safe Driver Award for Over Three Million Miles honor. 

     He was also an avid fisherman; fishing being his first love. He always shared his catch with not only his family, but also his neighbors. Before becoming too ill, Buddy could be found every morning at Mr. Rogers sharing coffee and conversation with friends and anyone who wanted to chat. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather who loved everyone, especially children and animals.

     Buddy is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Norma S. Rose; son, Kevin Rose; daughters, Nancy Valles, Fonda Skelton and husband Kent, and Lorna Copeland and husband Matthew; daughter-in-love, Nancy Rose; brothers, Michael Rose and Teddy Rose (Lauren); sisters, Joy Burns (Sammy) and Joyce Brushaber (Kevin); along with a legacy of eleven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren, plus two on the way.

     He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Joseph Cary Rose; brother, James Rose; and sisters, Rena Pearl Buckley and Mary Cullum Rawson.

     Visitation for Buddy will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 10-11:00 am at Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-North, located at 7774 Hwy 39 N, Meridian, MS. Funeral Services will begin in the North Chapel at 11:00 am with Bro. Kenneth Owen and Bro. Dale Moore officiating.

     Pallbearers for Buddy’s service will be his grandchildren: Joey Rose, Danny Alford, Lane Copeland, Joshua Skelton, Taylor Skelton, and son-in-love, Matt Copeland. Buddy’s son-in-love, Kent Skelton, will serve as Honorary Pallbearer.

     In lieu of flowers, the family requests for donations to be made in Buddy’s honor to the College Park Methodist Church, the American Cancer Society, or to the organization of your choice.

     The staff of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes is grateful for the opportunity to honor Buddy’s life and memory and to serve his wonderful family during this time.