David enlisted in the Navy in 1968. During his time in the Navy, he served in the Vietnam War on the USS Enterprise as a certified plane captain in an A3, A6 squadron, and performed all types of repair and maintenance work on planes and helicopters. He received an honorable discharge for his service.
He then attended aircraft repair school at Embry-Riddle in Daytona, Florida. In 1974 he married Rhonda Cladeen Gaither and they moved to Wake Forest, NC where he worked for Piedmont Airlines.
David and Rhonda later moved to New Bern, NC when David gained a position as an aircraft repair technician at NADEP and what is now FRC East. David was a dedicated government employee for 30 years upon retiring.
He also served 25 years in the 694th Maintenance Company -Army National Guard in New Bern, N.C. obtaining a rank of Staff Sergeant and retiring with an honorable discharge.
After retirement, David enjoyed finding ways to serve people. He loved volunteering for Habitat for Humanity of Craven County where he spent most of his time being a “Key Volunteer” and accumulating over 3,200 volunteer hours. He spent time serving his community at the local food bank and volunteered with Team Rubicon; a veteran-led humanitarian organization. It was important for him to serve his church, Trenton Methodist Church, in any way, shape, or form. He also spent time helping many individuals in his community. Visiting people who could not physically attend church, finding suitable housing for a fellow veteran, and doing house projects for neighbors are just a few examples. He loved making people feel special and cared for.
The thing David looked forward to the most, was spending time with his twins; Mandy and Matt, their spouses and four grandchildren; Abigale, Cameron, Mack, and Cole. If there could be an award given for “best gramps” he would get it. He made a great effort to spend time with them and that brought him so much joy.
Left to cherish his memory are his father Richard Rose, daughter Mandy Dillashaw (Brendan), son Matt Rose (Maureen). David (“Gramps”); is also survived by his four grandchildren, Mack and Cole Dillashaw and Abigale and Cameron Rose. He is also survived by his former wife and longtime friend Rhonda Cladeen Metz. David also leaves his brothers Gene Rose and Craig Rose, sisters Julie Bobrow and Carla Hundy and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews that he loved dearly. David is preceded in death by his mother, Mary (Mitzi) Rose and his brother Scott Rose.
The family will have a private ceremony to honor the life of David. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Habitat of Humanity of Craven County.
Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of David Rose.
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