Randy Vernon Rose

Randy Vernon Rose, 67, of High Point, passed away, Sunday, May 12, 2024, at his home at The Stratford. He was born October 1, 1956, in Richmond, Virginia to the late Robert Vernon Rose and the late Margaret Louise Boss Rose.

He served faithfully in the US Coast Guard, serving as a Quarter Master. On October 20, 1978, the USCGC Cuyahoga was hit by a coal ship in Chesapeake Bay and subsequently sank; Randy dove into the water and helped rescue the Commanding Officer. He then radioed help from headquarters leading to the saving of many lives. Eleven casualties were counted and that number affected Randy for decades.

A Citation to accompany the award of the Coast Guard Achievement Medal to Quartermaster Second Class Randy V. Rose, United States Coast Guard. "Petty Officer ROSE is cited for outstanding achievement while assigned to United States Coast Guard Cutter CUYAHOGA (WIX 157) on 20 October 1978 when the vessel collided with the Argentinean collier SANTA CRUZ II. After abandoning sinking CUYAHOGA, he gathered in the water with other crew members holding onto an ice chest. He heard cries for help from the Commanding Officer of the CUYAHOGA and immediately left the safety of the ice chest to attempt to locate and assist him. Upon reaching the Commanding Officer, he supported him out of the water and began swimming him back to the ice chest. After reaching the chest, he ensured that the Commanding Officer's head was supported and kept his body from sliding down into the water until crew members clinging to the chest reached one of the CUYAHOGA's lifeboats which had surfaced after the vessel sank. These acts undoubtedly saved the life of the Commanding Officer who had been pulled under the water three or four times due to the suction of the vessel sinking and was exhausted from struggling to reach the surface each time. Petty Officer ROSE's unselfish actions are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard."

Left to cherish his memory: his wife, Margaret Ballweber Rose; brother, Robert "Craig" Rose, and wife Trisha of Greensboro; and his sister, Jody Howell and husband Greg of Phoenix, AZ; aunts Sally Cline and husband Paul; Vickie Boss and Linda Browning; four stepchildren; eight grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point, is assisting the family.