Dr. Billy J. Rose, affectionately known as ‘Great’ Pappy, passed away on April 28, 2023 at 10:40am at Jupiter Medical Center. Billy was 88 years old when he entered God’s kingdom and was fortunate to leave this world while surrounded by his loved ones.

Billy is survived by his amazing wife of 67 years, Gloria Rose, his son Gary and daughter-in-law Sheri, his son Kevin, 4 grandchildren and 2 grand daughter-in-laws, Beau & Heather, Trent & Jodi, Nick, Ali, and his 6 great-grandchildren: Jackson, Bryson, Kaiden, Harper, Jameson & Koby.

Great Pappy will always be remembered for his quick wit and silly sense of humor. He loved to play practical jokes on his family and friends, but it was always out of love and a desire to bring joy to those he cared about most.

Pappy was an amazing man to everyone who knew him. He was kind, generous, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a man of faith, and his love for God and his family was evident in everything he did.

Billy's strength of will was unmatched.  Bill graduated from Pontiac High School in Pontiac, Michigan in January 1954. He entered Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo Michigan. He attended WMU for his undergraduate and master's degree. He took courses at the University of Michigan which assisted him in successfully completing his doctorate degree at Wayne State University.

He took his work life as serious as his college education. Bill was a teacher and an assistant wrestling coach at Pontiac Northern High School from 1958-1966. In 1966, he was selected as the Director of adult education programs for the school district of the city of Pontiac. He held this position until 1969. After working in secondary education, Dr. Rose accepted the position of Academic Dean of Technology at the Auburn Hills Campus of Oakland Community College for 27 years. There he excelled in developing curricula and procuring state-of-the-art equipment for upcoming technical programs such as Robotics, Computer Aided Design, Computer Numerical Control and Computer Integrated Manufacturing.

He established partnerships with several automotive and manufacturing companies to ensure that apprenticeship students received the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their careers. He traveled internationally to countries such as Japan, Singapore and Russia to promote the cutting edge programs in place at Oakland Community College.

Dr. Rose was active on the college campus serving on numerous academic committees. With his affable personality, kind nature and fair treatment of the faculty and staff in his departments, he was well respected within the college community. Bill retired in 1995.

Dr. Billy J Rose's wisdom and insight inspired all of his family members to always remember "that if there is a will, there is a way". His legacy will continue to live on through them.

'Great' Pappy was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He cherished his family above all else, and his love and guidance will be deeply missed.

Billy loved and supported his wife Gloria unconditionally. Recently, when she underwent hip surgery, he made it his top priority to take care of her every need. He stayed by her side throughout the entire process, making sure that she was comfortable and had everything she needed to recover.

'Great' Pappy was not only a loving husband but also an amazing father who always wanted the best for his two sons. He was an extremely patient man who guided Gary and Kevin in the right direction throughout their lives.

Bill always took time to listen to his sons' concerns and offer them valuable advice, based on his own experiences and knowledge. He instilled in them strong values, such as integrity, fidelity, and a strong work ethic, that served them well throughout their lives.

'Great' Pappy's legacy lives on through his sons, who have become amazing men in their own right, thanks to the guidance and love of their father. He will always be remembered as a wonderful man who shaped the lives of his family with his outstanding wisdoms and exceptional kindness.

As we honor Billy Joe Rose's memory and celebrate his life, we can take solace in the thought that he has found peace and rest in the next chapter of his journey with Jesus in heaven. Though he may no longer be with us physically, the memories we hold of him and the impact he had on our lives will never fade.

Rest in peace, Pappy. Your memory will live on forever in all of our hearts who loved you so much.

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