John Nicholas Rose

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of John Nicholas “Nick” Rose, who left this world on August 3, 2026, at the age of 41.

Nick was a talented artist with creativity that seemed to have no limits. Whether he was hand-painting a custom sign, or just doodling on paper, he could create anything from just an idea, he had a way of bringing imagination to life. His work showed not only his skill, but also the pride and passion he put into everything he did. A bit of a perfectionist, he liked things neat, organized, and done with care.

Nick brought his work ethic and his perfectionism to his careers no matter what he was doing. He started his career in his younger years working for the City of Bartlett as a meter reader and then moved on to MLG&W. After marriage, he became a sawyer at West TN Lumber & Pallet in Whiteville, TN. He took pride in making sure every cut was perfect and was always willing to do whatever was asked of him. Nick also had a heart of giving and helping others. In 2015, Nick volunteered his time working as a volunteer fire fighter for Northeast Fayette County Fire Department. It was there that he earned his basic fire fighter certificate, as well as his first responder certificate. Nick later joined the Bolivar, TN fire department as a full-time fireman. He loved what he did and took pleasure in being there for those in need. In the last few years of Nick’s life, he worked at Birmingham Specialty Woodworks in Somerville, TN building cabinets for the commercial industry. His bosses there often spoke of the dedication and tentative nature that Nick possessed in his work. 

Nick loved spending time with his family. He always had something going on—some project to build, something to fix, or some weird idea he came up with that always made his wife and kids laugh. Whatever it was always worked the way he intended, sometimes it was a combination of things on his mind that he decided to put together.

To know Nick was to know laughter. He had a big personality, a playful sense of humor, and a way of turning everyday moments into memories. He loved making people laugh, often at his own expense, and never passed up a chance to embarrass his wife and kids in public just to get a smile out of them. Those are the kinds of moments his family will never forget.

Nick and Stephanie fell in love pretty fast. His outgoing nature, adventurous spirit, and “bad boy” charm made life exciting from the very beginning. Together they built a life full of laughter, creativity, adventure, and unconditional love. It wasn’t always great, but they were always drawn back to each other and always stood by each other

Nick’s greatest joy was his family. He loved with his whole heart. Although Dalton and Luke were not his biological sons, Nick never saw them as anything other than his own. He never once referred to them as his “step-children”, they were simply “his boys”. He loved them completely, without question. He was also a proud grandfather to Jasper James and Freya James, who brought him so much joy.

Nick’s love reached far beyond his immediate family. He and Stephanie welcomed his nephew, Michael McClain, into their home, whom Nick lovingly nicknamed “Lil Mike.” Soon, everyone called him that. When school would let out and it was time for River and Michael to come out to the car, Michael was called over the intercom as “Lil Mike”. Nick made it a point to give Lil Mike experiences he would never forget—his first camping trip, his first fish, a random out of the blue beach vacation, and so many other adventures. He didn’t just make memories; he helped shape a childhood full of love, laughter, and fun.

Nick was preceded in death by his father, Robert Rose; his paternal grandparents, John and Lenora Rose; his maternal grandparents, James and Shirley Bryant; and two very special cousins, Josh Foust and Amanda Murley Voung.

He is survived by his loving wife, Stephanie Rose; his daughter, River Rose; his sons, Dalton James and Luke James; his grandchildren, Jasper James and Freya James; his mother, Rhonda Parks; his stepfather, Herman Parks; his sister, Shandy Corcoran (Lance Corcoran); his brother, Chris Rose (Ashley Rose); his nephews, Nathan Rose, Patrick Fulmer, Cade Corcoran, Lukas Corcoran, Michael McClain, Logan Davis, and Shane Cox; his nieces, Madison Rose, Kaylee Parker, and Samantha Davis; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends whose lives were better for having known him.

Nick carried struggles that many never fully saw. Those struggles were only one part of his story—they do not define who he was. He will be remembered for his big heart, his creativity, his humor, and the deep love he had for his family. His legacy lives on in the art he created, the laughter he sparked, and the countless lives he touched.

Even though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that love doesn’t end here. Nick’s story will continue to be told in every camping trip, every fishing line cast, every laugh shared around a table, every handmade piece, and every memory held close by those who loved him.

A visitation for Nick will be Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at Peebles West Chapel from 6:00- 9:00PM. Interment will be private.

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." — A. A. Milne