Johnnie Gilbert Rose, Sr, was born December 23, 1946, in Memphis, TN and passed away on September 21, 2021 at the age of 74 at his home in Arlington, TN.  He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary, his daughter Cindy Cooley, and her husband, John, and his son, Johnnie Rose and his wife, Ashley.  He was PawPaw to 5 grandchildren- David Cooley(Abby), Mac Cooley, Josh Cooley, Dylan Rose, and Lauren Johnson (Mike) and 3 great grandchildren-Noah Cooley, Iris Johnson and Henry Johnson.  He is also survived by two siblings, Donna Headden and Alvin Rose.  Johnnie was a proud member of the Kingsbury High School class of 1965 and also leaves behind many lifelong friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Doris Rose, and his brother Frank Rose.

Johnnie was a member of the Memphis Fire Department for 33 years, retiring in 2005.  He spent several years on truck 10 at firehouses 24 and 51 and developed quite the reputation.  He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends and grandsons.  Johnnie touched the lives of many youth during his years as a coach at Gaisman Park and Bartlett Youth Sports.  He was an avid Memphis Tigers football and basketball fan and would simultaneously watch games on tv and listen to the radio broadcast.  One of his greatest joys was watching his grandsons play baseball and football.  He was their biggest fan and traveled to many states to cheer them on.

Johnnie will be missed by all who love him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Chris Hope Foundation or the charity of your choice.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Johnnie's life, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Tuesday, September 28th, 2021 at Forest Hill Funeral Home-East, 2440 Whitten Road, Memphis.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at Forest Hill Funeral Home-Midtown,

1661 S. Elvis Presley, Memphis.