James Melvin Rose

James “Jamie” Melvin Rose, 55, of Buies Creek, North Carolina, passed away at his home on June 6th, 2021. He was surrounded by his close family, and brothers and sisters of the Buies Creek Fire Department and Harnett County Sheriff’s Deputies. He fought valiantly for over 2 years after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He is remembered as a hero, warrior, and a man of God. The funeral service will take place on June 11th at 11:00 am at Buies Creek Fire Department with the burial to follow at the family cemetery. Jamie is survived by his best friend, soulmate, and wife Billie Renee Rose, of Buies Creek, North Carolina. Furthermore, he is survived by his father, Jack M. Rose, of Four Oaks, North Carolina. His brother David S. Rose, of Lillington, North Carolina. His beloved daughter Susan Rose, and sons Joshua Riggsbee and partner Beth Hanks, Joseph Riggsbee and wife Jennifer Riggsbee, Billy Riggsbee and wife Marlene Riggsbee, and Labradors Honey Rose and Chloe Rose. Jamie is the grandfather of six grandchildren (Kaysi Everett, Tristan Riggsbee, Jordan Riggsbee, Sean Riggsbee, Charles Richards, and Lily Riggsbee). He was preceded in death by his mother Christine (Cookie) Stewart. At the age of 16, Jamie joined the Buies Creek Fire Department as a volunteer. In 1986, he began working fulltime as a Fire Fighter for the City of Sanford Fire Department, number 37. Jamie was gifted the nickname “Chewy” by his brothers and sisters at the fire station. His last position was that of Chief of Buies’s Creek Fire Department, number 800. In between his service to the community, he owned his own lawncare business “Rose Lawncare”. He could operate any diesel machinery. He would often say “God made dirt, and dirt don’t hurt.” He was an avid fisher, hunter, and enjoyed all manner of outdoor sports and activities. A man of faith that stood for Christian values. He was stubborn, hilarious, kind-hearted, and known as a man’s man. Jamie loved Oyster Roasts, Shrimp Broils, and Barbeques with Marty’s famous sauce. He will always be remembered for his “Jamieisms”, his wise words, and penetrating blue eyes. In his downtime, he loved to read and learn about history. Jamie never met a stranger, as he was known for having the gift of gab. The family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, June 10th from 6-8 pm at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Angier.