Larry Dale Rose

AHOSKIE, NC - We are saddened to announce the passing of Larry Dale Rose of Ahoskie, NC, who died peacefully after a brief illness on Monday, January 26, 2026, at age 79. Larry was a devoted husband, father, "Poppy," brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, whose love extended across generations.

Born on November 13, 1946, in the foothills of North Carolina, Larry spent his childhood in Yadkin County and attended Jonesville High School where he was a member of the wrestling team, earned the title of Most Likely to Succeed, and built lifelong friendships. He was active in the Boy Scouts and Order of the Arrow, later studying at North Carolina State University and cultivating lifelong passions for archaeology, music, flying, sailing, photography, and woodworking.

Larry was known for his deep love of family, community, humor, and craftsmanship. He was a humble, hardworking, dependable, and kind provider. He built a life rooted in family business and road construction, beginning his full-time career with Rose Brothers Paving in 1971, following the death of his father, Isaac "Sandy" Rose. He contributed to many notable highway projects in North Carolina and Virginia. 2026 marks Larry's 55th year as Vice President of the Rose family's corporations. Larry was also proudly involved in establishing the Rose Family Tennis Complex at Chowan University in Murfreesboro, NC.

His interests extended far beyond work. A founding member and the first commodore of Edenton Yacht Club, Larry recently celebrated its 50th anniversary surrounded by friends. Founded in the early 1970s, the EYC began as a small group dedicated to sailing on Edenton Bay and the Albemarle Sound and has since become a key community institution.

Larry also had a long-standing interest in North Carolina history and archeology. He was a decades long, active member of the North Carolina Archaeological Society and served as an At-Large Member of the Society's governing council from 1994-1995. He participated in several excavations and projects to discover, document, preserve, and protect North Carolina's past. His collection of arrowheads is especially impressive, particularly within the local Meherrin Indian Tribe community.

Larry was blessed with two loving marriages in his lifetime. He first married his true love and beloved wife, June Turner ("Junie Moon"), with whom he shared 24 happy years and built a strong family foundation. Their union was characterized by deep love and devotion until her passing in 1993, which left Larry with cherished memories and a lasting sense of gratitude for their time together. Larry later found happiness again when he married Cynthia, who brought renewed joy and companionship into his life. Together, Larry and Cynthia continued to nurture their blended family, embracing each other's children and grandchildren, and creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and steadfast support.

Larry is survived by his wife Cynthia; four children: Sandy Rose (Nicole), Kelly Watson, Melissa Herring (Sandy), and David Herring (Dan); four grandchildren: Hayley, Ryan, Cora June, and Turner; as well as his siblings, extended family, and many friends.

Larry, or more recently known by his cherished grandchildren as Poppy, was a steady, loyal presence to his family and friends. He captured incredible photos of nature, many from the deck of his treasured Kitty Hawk beach cottage. An accomplished woodworker, he hand-crafted beautiful wood pieces, furniture, boxes, decoys, and trays in his backyard wood shop. In addition to his many pursuits, Larry nurtured a lifelong love of music and took great joy in picking stringed instruments. Larry leaves a legacy of kindness, generosity, and joyful spirit.

In honoring Larry's wishes, a private family graveside service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, in Larry's honor, donations may be made directly to Ahoskie Food Pantry, PO Box 159, Ahoskie, NC 27910 or online by clicking here or WUNC Public Radio,120 Friday Center Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27517 or online by clicking here

Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting garrettsykesfs.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC.