Roll Call Tribute

Billy Jack Rose 

May 1, 1931 - July 9, 2025 

Billy Jack Rose, known to most as Bill, was born on May 1, 1931, in Cisco, Texas, to Thadis Ralph Rose and Ruby Lois (Ellison) Rose. He grew up alongside his siblings: half-brother Dennis, sister Norma, and brother Charles. Dennis and Charles preceded him in death.

Raised by his loving grandparents while his father sought work during the Great Depression, Bill experienced a humble yet formative upbringing. His family later relocated to Big Spring, Texas, where he graduated from Big Spring High School in 1948. Tragically, his mother passed away from heart complications when Bill was just 16.

With the Korean War well underway after his graduation, Bill enlisted in the military along with close friends Spencer Wolfe and Frank E. House. He was stationed at an air base in Japan and flew multiple harrowing missions that “picked up and dropped off spies and supplies” on makeshift dirt runways behind enemy lines in the jungles of Cambodia and Vietnam.

After two years in the Air Force, Bill met the love of his life, Loraine McLeod, in El Paso. They married and would have celebrated 72 years of marriage this August. Together they raised two sons: Larry, born in El Paso, and Darrell, born four years later in Okinawa.

Bill served a total of 10 years in the Air Force before separating to pursue a degree in Aeronautical Engineering at Texas A&M University. When the VA failed to uphold its commitment to fund his education, Loraine took action by writing to then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson. Within two weeks, the Navy responded, offering Bill a commission equivalent to his Air Force rank.

Bill went on to serve 14 more years in the Navy, with assignments in Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico (1961–1964); Virginia Beach, Virginia (1964–1965); Whidbey Island, Washington (1965–1969); Naha, Okinawa (1969–1972); and Albuquerque, New Mexico (1972–1974). He retired in Albuquerque with the rank of Command Master Chief, having completed 24 years of honorable service.

After retirement, Bill and Loraine settled in Dallas, where he worked in a film processing facility before striking out to launch a successful machine shop and robotics repair business with his son Darrell. They ran the business until selling it in 2001.

Bill and Loraine then moved to a “fly-in community” at Pecan Plantation outside of Granbury, Texas. Over the next 24 years, Bill owned and flew two planes, joyfully embracing his lifelong passion for aviation. At the age of 90, he sold his final plane and officially “hung up his flying goggles.”

Bill was a deacon at three different points in his life, a devoted Boy Scout Troop Master in Washington State, and a man of quiet strength and principle. He was well-respected by all who knew him — a non-smoking, non-drinking family man who led by example.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Loraine, a loving and growing family. His son Darrell and wife Jane, their daughter Lauren Rose and her daughters Emma and Madeline Rose Hailey, and daughter Kristen Tecson with husband Logan and their son Owen Tecson. His son Larry and wife Melinda, their sons Justin, wife Desiree, and their children Aria and Jude Rose; and Jonathan, whose children are Dimitri, Sebastian, Aurora, and Dahlia Rose. Bill loved being a grandfather and great-grandfather, and his legacy lives on in each of them.

He will be deeply missed — a steady presence, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Graveside Services: Mon Jul 21 at 9 AM National Veterans Cemetery 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas

Services in the care of Wiley Funeral Home Granbury, Texas.