August 15, 2023, 90, La Grange —
August 10, 1933 – August 15, 2023
James Franklin “Frank” Rouse, 90, passed away on August 15, 2023. Frank was born in Lenoir County to the late George Allen Rouse, Sr., and Carrie Stroud Rouse on August 10, 1933.
A graduate of Wheat Swamp High School, Frank went on to serve his country valiantly in the United States Air Force. Stationed for 18 months in Germany during the Korean War, he was trained to work on radar for aircraft.
A fine man of deep faith, Frank loved the Lord with all of his heart, soul, strength, and mind. He faithfully worshiped in earlier years at Trinity Free Will Baptist Church, and later continued his devotion and worship at Trinity United Methodist. With a great love of music, Frank used his voice to sing for God’s glory in the choir at Trinity UMC.
Frank’s genuine personality, kind heart, and knowledge of electronics all worked together to create a successful television business. As the owner of Rouse Radio and Television, his vast wisdom and welcoming smile kept customers returning time after time when they were looking for a new television or needing service on their current set.
Outside of work, Frank enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden and sharing his bounteous produce with friends and neighbors. Raising quail for over 30 years, he was just as well-known as the “Quail Man” as he was by his television business. He was an excellent woodworker and was generous in gifting children’s rocking chairs and tables he had crafted.
Proud of his country and his heritage, Frank paid much attention to the history of our country as well as his lineage through the Rouse line. He knew the Rouse genealogy through and through, and could make connections with just about anyone. Between his genealogical knowledge and welcoming spirit, he never met a stranger. No matter the location, Frank could strike up a conversation with anyone and soon become fast friends. It was rare for Frank to travel even out of state and not find someone he knew. While his family circle was broad and he welcomed anyone into the fold, he was most devoted to those who knew him as “Pop”, “Daddy”, and “Pa Pa”. The precious whispering of, “Hey buddy”, quickly caught his attention as his caregiver would greet him each day.
A service of love and remembrance will be held Friday, August 18, 2023, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Rouse Funeral Home. Committal will follow at Fairview Cemetery in La Grange. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation at the funeral home from 10-10:45 a.m. before the service, as well as at other times at the home of Frank and Peggy Rouse.
Frank is survived by his wife of 39 years, Peggy Rouse; children, James “Frankie” Rouse, Jr., Rhonda Rouse and husband, Lonnie “Gus”, Sherry Jones and husband, John, and Becky Thigpen and husband, Royce; grandchildren, Logan Rouse, John Robert Jones, Jr., Kari Ann Jones, Justin Edward Jones, Katie Gleason, Royce Thigpen, Jr., and Ameila Muston; great-grandchildren, Chance Rouse and Maggie Muston; brother, Donald Rouse, and wife Shirley; and a special caregiver whom he dearly loved and treasured, Samantha Grant.
In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Rouse; sisters, Ethel Eakes, Effie Dee White, and Doris Ann Rouse; and brothers, Gordon Earl “Monk” Rouse and George Allen “Dottie” Rouse.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Frank’s memory may be made to the
American Cancer Society
930 B. Wellness Drive
Greenville, NC 27834
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
