Walter Thomas Rose, Jr.
Born on March 16, 1936 in Wadesboro, North CarolinaPassed on December 7, 2025 in Cocoa Beach, Florida
Walter Thomas Rose, Jr., 89, of Cocoa Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on December 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 16, 1936, in Wadesboro, North Carolina, he was the son of Walter Thomas Rose, Sr., and Ollie Beverly Little Rose. He spent his childhood in Coral Gables, Florida, where he developed a lifelong love of swimming, scuba diving, and golf. Walter took his passion for swimming to representing the Florida All-State High School Swimming Team, All-American Collegiate Swimming Team, and success at the national level for the Pan American Games.
Walter graduated from Coral Gables High School, the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Yale University, and the University of Florida School of Law, and went on to build a career as a very accomplished Attorney-at-Law, remembered as a true gentleman for his integrity, work ethic, creativity, and kindness. Walter began his legal practice being published in the University of Florida Law Review, later trying cases before the Florida Supreme Court. Throughout his lifetime, he was very involved in numerous professional and community organizations including the Sigma Chi Fraternity, American Bar Association, Florida Bar Association, Kiwanis Club, American Heart Association, former deacon of the Riverside Presbyterian Church and as a member of the board of directors for SunTrust Bank and Health First until his retirement.
During college and graduate school, Walter was a member of the Naval ROTC and after college graduation, he served in the United States Navy as an officer. Additionally, he trained with the United States Navy at Yale University to swim for the elite Naval team and prepare for the U. S. Olympics. He endured a devasting injury that ended his swimming career; however, one claim to fame, Walter held the World Record in the 220-yard freestyle for a brief period of time.
Beyond his professional and community involvement, Walter enjoyed golfing, deep-sea fishing, water skiing, and scuba diving. He had an active social life with a close-knit group of friends for whom he occasionally prepared his delicious Bananas Foster dessert.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his three daughters, Shelley MacLean Rose, Charlotte Rose Edwards, and Carter Rose Stone; two sisters, Rachel Rose Robinson and Beverly Little Rose; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt appreciation to his amazing team of caregivers including Senior Helpers, Advocates for the Aging, and St. Francis Hospice for their compassion, dignity, and support of Walter’s care. We also want to extend our gratitude for their kindness, expertise, and for holding our hands through this difficult journey.
Though deeply missed, his spirit will live on in the lives and memories of all who loved him. A private service for family will be held in Walter’s honor. The family kindly requests donations in his memory be made to the University of North Carolina Foundation, St. Francis Lifestage Reflections Hospice or a charity of your choice.
St, Francis Hospice Lifestage Reflections
