Eric Rose

RINGGOLD — Eric Steven Rose, 60, died peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2020 after a long illness. He was born July 18, 1959 to the late Henry and Nadine Rose of Newton, NC. He was the loving husband of 28 years to Deborah Marsh Rose of Ringgold, GA and proud father to Alec Rose of Ooltewah, TN, and stepfather to Jason (Vanora) Burns of Chattanooga, TN, Shauna (Steven) Graham of Franklin, TN, and Grace Dykstra (Mike Pettengill) of Chattanooga, TN. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law Judith Marsh of Ringgold, GA.

Eric (aka “Papa E”) adored his grandchildren Ethan Burns, Sidney Burns, Chloe Graham, Clementine Graham, Addisyn Burns-Shattuck, Oliver Dykstra, and Rubi Dykstra. He leaves behind his beloved brother Tommy (Cynthia) Rose of Maiden, NC, nephew Anthony (Rebecca) Rose of Mechanicsburg, PA, father-in-law Johnny Marsh of Ringgold, GA, sister-in-law Kara Henderson (Rick McMasters) of Ringgold, GA, brother-in-law Johnny (Misty) Marsh of Washington, IN and several nieces and nephews. Eric cherished his family above all else, and loved to spoil his sweet dog Mila who was always by his side. He was passionate about sports, was an accomplished high school and collegiate tennis player, and eventually a club tennis professional. He loved cheering on his favorite football team, the Oakland Raiders, but he was happiest all the years he spent practicing baseball with his son Alec and watching him play.

Eric earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of North Carolina Charlotte and moved to Chattanooga in 1984 with two long-time dear friends Terry Clemmons of Chattanooga, TN and Mike Mason of McDonald, TN to start a business venture together. Eric was the owner of Rainbow Vacuum Distributors of Chattanooga from 1984 to 2015.

There will be a celebration of Eric’s life on Sunday, January 26, 2020 at 5:00 pm for family and close friends at the family home.

Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.chattanoogaeastbrainerdchapel.com

Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 8214 E. Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421.