Princeton – Howard Ray Rose, age 82, died Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. Born October 9, 1939 in Johnston County he was a son of the late Garland Mills Rose and Myrtle Capps Rose Godwin. Ray was a member of Tee's Chapel FWB Church where he served as church deacon for many years. Ray was a truly gifted baseball player and shared his passion for the sport in his later years by coaching. He coached both, Little League and Babe Ruth teams, and served on the Princeton Bulldog Booster Club as President. Ray was also an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 27, 2021 in Tee's Chapel FWB Church with Rev. Dennis Pollock officiating. Burial will follow in Princeton Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the church just prior to the service.

Surviving are his wife of 63 years, LaVerne Thompson Rose; sons, Richard Rose and wife Laura of Clayton, Danny Rose and fiancée Karen of Princeton and Barry Rose and wife Lori of Princeton; brother, David Rose and wife Annette of Smithfield; sisters, Edna Bernheisel and husband Albert of Pine Level, Sue Byrd of Smithfield, Debbie Johnson and husband Chuck of Surf City and Pat Baine of Pine Level; grandchildren, Danielle Rose, Erica Rose, Ryan Rose, Rebekah Rose, Travis Rose and Jordan Rose; and great grandchildren, Haley Rose and JD Downs.