Andrew John "Andy" Rose Jr.

1938 - 2022

Andrew (Andy) John Rose Jr., age 83, of Ocala, Florida, left this Earth to be in Heaven on January 21st, 2022 in Ocala, Florida.

Andy or Jack as his childhood friends and family called him was born on March 17, 1938 in Akron, Ohio, son of Andrew and Mary Rose (Williamson). He graduated from Hialeah High School in 1957 while working at the Hialeah Veterinary Clinic, Miami Herald, and taking shop where he learned his love of woodworking. Many happy days were spent fishing, working on cars, and helping his father in his orchid greenhouse. He left Hialeah in 1957 to attend the University of Florida where he met his future wife Jeanie in a Dairy Science class. He served in the Army from 1961-1967 stationed out of Ft. Riley Kansas where his daughter Debra was born.

After returning to the University after service he completed graduate school in what was the Department of Fruit Crops (Horticulture) with his specialization in Citrus Research. He took a job as an extension agent in Lake County, then began working for Libby's doing citrus and pineapple research. He retired from Libby's in 1984 and returned to his extension roots as Director of Extension in Citrus county until 2000 when he went to Sumter County, retiring in 2004. In retirement he enjoyed growing and tending to his pineapples and many orchids, woodworking, traveling with his sweetheart Helen, judging school science projects, and especially serving with his church family. Those who knew Andy knew of his loyalty and dedication to "find the answers" and never turn down an opportunity to meet and befriend new people.

Family will receive friends Tuesday, February 1st, from 4pm until 6 pm at Roberts of Ocala Downtown Chapel located at 606 SW 2nd AVE Ocala, Florida 34471. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 2nd at noon at Christ The King Anglican Church of Ocala. Andy's kindness, knowledge, friendship, and love of life will be missed by all who knew him but we take comfort that he well knew the love of God.