William "Bill" Theodore Rose Sr.

December 13, 1943 - January 29, 2022

Bill Rose (William Theodore Rose, Sr.) went to be with our Lord on Jan 29, 2022. He was born in Peoria, Illinois in 1943 to Helen and Harry Rose who have preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were his brothers, Michael Rose and Tom Rose, and his wife, Kathy (Flowers) Rose. Bill is survived by his significant other, Sharilyn Hughes; his dog, Samson; five children, Susie Kelly, of Indianapolis, Indiana, Billy Rose (Darla), of Okeechobee, Florida, Julie Melvin (Ted), of Cicero, Indiana,, Diane Hufford (Jerry), of Farmersville, Ohio, and Angie Rose, of Hopedale, Illinois; 12 grandchildren, William Rose III, Cory Rose, Mason Rose, Walker Rose, Hunter Cook, Lauren Cook, Michael Hartman, Cody Patty, Dustin Carter, Kyle Smith, Brett Smith, and Katelynn Robertson; and 10 great grandchildren. Bill went to the Academy Spalding and then attended St. Benedicts Abbey in Kansas. He was an avid hockey player in his high school and college days. When Bill graduated from college, he married Rebecca Jean Zeller and had five children and they were married for 14 years. Bill started working for United Telephone in Flora, Indiana in 1970 where he was also a volunteer fireman for the Flora Fire Department. He also worked for Pioneer Seed. In addition to working for the phone company, Bill did carpentry work. During his years in Flora, his hobby was flying model airplanes. In 1978, Bill transferred to United Telephone in Okeechobee, Florida which then became Sprint where he retired in 2006. Bill has lived in Okeechobee for 44 years and has met many wonderful people and developed some great friendships. After Bill retired, he met with a group of men at McDonald’s for coffee every morning and even met in the parking lot when Covid hit and they couldn’t go inside. His routine always included a trip to Garrard’s Tackle Shop where he would hang out with his fishing buddies. He loved to fish!!! He was given the name “Billy Bassmaster” early in his fishing career by many who knew him. Bill won many tournaments throughout his fishing career and one of the best ones was in 1989 when Bill won the Grand National Championship of Bass in America, where he beat Roland Martin who was considered to be a top fisherman. Other hobbies included: golf, watching football, and in his early years - motorcycle riding. Bill loved to sing and dance. In his early years of life he competed in dance tournaments. Bill enjoyed watching Hallmark Movies, Family Feud, Hawaii Five O, and CSI. Bill also loved to go get chocolate ice cream cones at Dairy Queen with his sweetheart and his kids when they were down. He was given the name Master Chef when he started cooking on his smoker and was a pro at smoking the best ribs in town. Bill made friends wherever he went. He didn’t know a stranger. He could strike up a conversation and was a great storyteller. One of the many great things about Bill was that he had a way of drawing you in with his stories. He also had a great sense of humor. Bill was a strong believer in Christ and his faith was first and foremost. He was not afraid to share the word of God and the gift of Salvation with anyone. Bill was a generous man; he helped several people throughout his lifetime that needed help in different paths of his life. Bill was loved and will be missed dearly. He made a positive impact on many lives and although his life on this earth has ended, his legacy will continue to live on in our hearts and each and every life he has touched. The family will receive friends 2 p.m. until services at 3 p.m. Friday, February 4, 2022 at Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home. Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972. A Farewell Message from Bill - By Susie Kelly (Daughter) My day to be with Jesus came on Jan 29th. I didn't know that morning when I got up that I was living my final hours. I know that you are hurting and will miss me but remember that I am in a good place because I gave my life to Jesus. To my 5 kids -Please don't fight over material things that are of this earth they don't matter up here. Live your life and each day on earth as it is your last Nothing and I Mean Nothing matters on this earth but living for GOD. He knows you are hurting and I would be too if I lost any one of you. But Jesus is the Ultimate Healer and he can heal your hearts just turn it over to him. Sharilyn Hughes My Sweetheart and my honey. I love you. You took such good care of me in my last days and I am sorry we couldn't have had more time but Jesus called me home. I will be waiting for the day we meet again in this Glorious place. To My Fishing Buddies, too many of you to name, You have made my years in Okeechobee fishing the best!! I love all of you guys. A very special thank you and I love you to Daniel Powell, Bill Bartlett and Leath Garrett, you were really there for me in the end. To my church family - thank you for the outpouring of love for me and my family in this difficult time. Thank you Freedom Baptist Church. I didn't get a chance to come and see you Sunday due to the Lord calling me home but I can tell you it is more than you can ever imagine. Thank you to Pastor Mike, and Mike - a special thank you to Marge and Bill for coming to see me before my days ended. To all my cousins and Nephews in Texas, I love you and will miss you. Your prayers and love and support through this difficult time have been felt. Thank you for continuing to be there for Susie Kelly. I want you all to know that GOD is good and if you don't have your life right with GOD you need to get on your knees and ask God into your heart because Heaven is real. A celebration of my life will be on Friday Feb 4 at 3 pm at Buxton Funeral Home In Okeechobee Florida. I would love for you to get up and share stories about our times together in my memory. I know some of you will want to but may not be able to break through the tears but It would help my kids through this very sad time for them. Friends and Family visiting is from 2-3. The Service will start at 3pm by Mike Worf. Please come and wrap your arms around each other and know that I am in a good place. I love each and everyone of you and will miss you tremendously. Please be there for my loved ones who are going through so much pain right now. This BiG Fish - Billy Bassmaster is signing off and until we meet again.