Jack Lee Rose, of Dunbar, passed away at home on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, after a long illness.

He was born on February 11, 1942 to the late Argil and Mary (Lamb) Rose in Craigsville

Jack was born with albinism. He only had 5% eyesight his entire life, his parents didn't even realize he was blind until he started school. Jack was amazingly adaptable to his disability from childhood throughout his entire life.

He was raised in Richwood. After graduating high school, he and his brother Argil moved to Dunbar to attend West Virginia State University. While there, he met his wife Katie at the Old Chuck Wagon Diner in Charleston, where she worked. They became sweethearts and were married for almost 54 years. They resided on the West Side of Charleston for years . While living there, they had their first daughter Kelli Suzanne and their second daughter Jacki Lynette. They then moved north, where Jack attended Fairmont University and received his BS degree in Biology. Jack worked at the Leetown Fish Hatchery. They later made their home in Richwood, where they raised their two daughters.

In the 1980's, they moved back to Dunbar where Jack ran Jack's Snack Attack, a food stand at the Judicial Annex building in Charleston. He made many friends there with his friendly disposition and great sense of humor. Jack always had a pocketful of jokes to trade. He also owned several vending machines in the area and worked those with Katie's help, and driving.

Although he never had a drivers license because of his sight, that didn't stop him from riding a motorcycle when he was younger; with Katie being his eyes as the passenger. After they were married, Jack surprised her with a 1965 Barracuda and driving lessons.

Even with his disability, Jack was extremely gifted in electrical work, drywall, plumbing, and all household repairs; most people would have been surprised to learn he was blind. He also enjoyed coin and jewelry collecting. Jack loved to travel and had an uncanny sense of direction, even before Google Maps. He also loved the beach, camping and swimming at Cranberry in Richwood, and spending summers at their camp in Greenbrier County.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Kelli Quigley in 2017; two sisters, Kathy Rose and infant sister Mary Ann Rose; brother-in-law, John Carden; mother-in-law, Martha Skeen; and best friend, David Compton in March.

Jack is survived by his wife of almost 54 years, Katie; daughter, Jacki Rose; two grandsons, Devin and Tanner Quigley; son-in-law, Todd Quigley; siblings, Linda Carden, Argil Rose (Beverly), Karen "Sue" Rogers (Ray), Jerry "Buster" Rose, and Debbie Hatley (Bill); five sisters-in-law, Sandra Keen, Irene Skeen, Margaret Johnson, Jeannie Wade (Joe), and Lori Mullens (Howard); nieces and nephews, Vicki Ellison, Kevin Carden, Tammi Ramsey, Steve Rogers, Greg Carden, Andrew Rose, Chris Griffith, Donnie Rose, Jeremy Hatley, Amanda McKay, Alan Rose and Sean Rose.

While he was in and out of the hospital this past year, the nurses commented several times how sweet and cooperative he was. Jack was a good husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all.

During the last couple weeks of his life, Jack gave his heart to the Lord and was saved by God's amazing grace. The night he passed away, Katie had a dream that Jesus was baptizing him as a confirmation from God that he was in Heaven. We are thankful for that, but he will still be missed.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 22, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar. Lunch will be served in the Recreational Building at Dunbar City Park. All are welcome.

Friends may visit one hour before the service at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

"Amazing Grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I s