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Michael Rose Obituary

Michael David Rose

Memphis, TN

Michael David Rose, 75, transitioned peacefully April 2, 2017 surrounded by the sounds that gave him the greatest comfort and joy-his favorite songs and tender words of his loved ones. Michael will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by the love of his life, Debbi Fields Rose, and his children, Matthew, Gabrielle, Morgan, Mikey, Jessica, Jenessa, Jennifer, Ashley, and McKenzie. Michael's memory is also carried by his sister Rebecca "Becky" Nuber and her family, as well as his grandchildren, Elle, William, Calvin, Annabelle, and Myles. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Annabel Rose, as well as his beloved son, William Maxwell Rose. At 6'6", he will be remembered by all for his giant presence, his thunderous laugh, his wonderful hugs, and his love of Memphis.

Michael was a giant of industry. He earned a degree in business administration from the University of Cincinnati and a law degree from Harvard. As a partner in a Cincinnati law firm, Michael worked directly with one of the largest franchisees of Holiday Inns. It was through this relationship that he would move to Memphis in 1973 to help turnaround Holiday Inns. Rising quickly in the company, he would eventually become Chairman of the Board and CEO of Holiday Corp, (Holiday Inns Hotels, Hampton Inns, Embassy Suites, Homewood Suites, and Harrah's Casinos), which would later become Promus Companies and Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Through his stewardship, the Memphis-based company became the hotel and gaming industry leader. Continuing his belief in Memphis-based companies, he later went on to step in as Chairman for First Horizon National Corp (First Tennessee Banks) during the Great Recession, fighting for the company to remain a state bank, as opposed to being sold to a nationwide conglomerate and losing its community ties. His illustrious career included serving as Chairman of Gaylord Entertainment, and the numerous boards he sat on, including Steinmart, Ashland Oil, Darden, and General Mills where he was the longest tenured board member in the company's history until his retirement in 2016.

He was a giant in his community. It was his love of Memphis and belief in the power of communities that inspired him to make a great city even greater. He touched the lives of many Memphians through his work at Youth Villages, the Church Health Center, and the Mike Rose Soccer Complex. His belief in education as a tool to self and community improvement led him to support many education initiatives, including University of Memphis athletic scholarships, campus improvements, and summer travel experiences for scholarship students at St. George's Independent School, St. Mary's Episcopal School and Memphis University School. His belief in the arts was reinforced by leading efforts for the Rose Theaters at both the University of Memphis and St. Mary's. In recent years, much of his time was spent managing The Rose Foundation, which focuses on improving education and health opportunities as well as cultural enrichment in the communities in which his family lives. Even while fighting the battle of his life against cancer, he selflessly dedicated himself to one final gift to Memphis. He spearheaded an ongoing community partnership to create an aquatics center at the University of Memphis which will be the only one of its kind in the Mid-South. The center will be dedicated to promoting the health, fitness, and diversity of the community for years to come.

He was a giant among family and friends. Michael loved his friends dearly and his family even more. He was quick to help when asked, faster when he saw somebody in need. His love was often expressed by his famous hugs and thoughtful words. As he grew older, his life's work was centered around his community, his friends, and always his family. When asked about legacy, Michael said his legacy for which he was most proud was and will always be his family. His family will honor his legacy through The Rose Foundation.

"I don't think I planned so much as I dreamed. Big audacious dreams that somehow turned into reality. The reality has been more fantastic than any of my dreams." - Michael D. Rose

Memorial services will be held Sunday, April 9, at Temple Israel – 1376 East Massey Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38120. A reception will be from 1:30 to 3pm and service at 3pm.

Memorial donations can be directed to the following:

The Michael D. Rose Memorial Fund

c/o Community Foundation of Greater Memphis

1900 Union Avenue

Memphis, TN 38104

Or online:

www.cfgm.org/give-now/tribute-gifts directed to the Michael D. Rose Memorial Fund

Published by The Commercial Appeal on Apr. 6, 2017.
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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Rose

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Such a warm friendly man he was. I worked at Holiday Inn for 7 yrs, as reservation agent, and one day he asked to have lunch with 3 reservation agents, and his executives, and the cashier chose me and my 2 coworkers. The lunch was very relaxed so he made us feel very comfortable, and just asked us a couple questions of any improvements they needed to make. I'll always remember that lunch and what a very nice man Mike Rose was.
God bless his famiy.
RIP

Cloveice Holloway

Work

July 10, 2023

I only found out recently he died the day before my mother. He was a wonderful man to work for. I worked for him briefly at Holiday Inns on Lamarr and truly enjoyed working for him. He was a wonderful and very gracious man. So sorry to hear of his loss

Becky Cowan

September 18, 2018

He was admired so much when i was with Holiday Inn in the early 80's. My boss was just speaking of Mrs. Fields cookies and I decided to research Mike. So sorry to the family! Brenda Gentry - Murfreesboro, TN

December 26, 2017

Mike, I just learned that you have left us. I am so sorry. We went back to our days at UC, where we had an apartment together and were fraternity brothers with Sigma Chi. You were instrumental in my joining you at Holiday Inns, and my best memories are of being your Executive Assistant when you were the CEO. Mike, I will miss you, and can say that I love you and your wonderful Debbi.

Bill Hollenbeck

May 8, 2017

Our family loved Mike. We were so fortunate to get to know him and Debbie when our son competed in Aspen tournaments. They were beyond gracious to us, for which we are eternally grateful. Mike was amazing as he joined us on the golf course, walked every hole, becoming involved because he understood the true value of character building that sports competition builds in youth. He was truly a gem. Condolences to Debbie, his children, family and all who had the privilege of knowing him, a truly loving soul on earth and now in heaven. Love, from the Huddy Amelon family.

Deborah Amelon

April 17, 2017

Mike was bright, creative, a good communicator, honest and an outstanding business manager. More importantly, he was a good friend, a good husband/father and a generous community leader. It was my pleasure and privilege to know him.
Our condolences to him, Debbie and the rest of the family. Tom and Mary James.

April 15, 2017

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this time of sorrow. Mike's leadership provided a long and rewarding career for me.

Ginger Whelan

April 9, 2017

I worked with Mike at Holiday Inn HQ on Lamar Ave. in Memphis. I was in their world-wide Marketing Department.

Bill (William H.) Burdsal

April 6, 2017

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Memorial Events
for Michael Rose

Apr

9

Memorial Gathering

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Temple Israel

1376 East Massey Road, Memphis, TN

Apr

9

Memorial service

3:00 p.m.

Temple Israel

1376 East Massey Road, Memphis, TN

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