William Earle Rouse

William Earle Rouse, Sr. 85, died May 21, 2024. 

A native of Nelson, PA, Bill was a son of the late Earl Havens “Stub” Rouse and Velma Elizabeth Chilson-Rouse. 

Bill Rouse was a veteran of the United States Navy with service on the USS Hank DD 702 from 1955-1958 and served in the Naval Surface Weapon Center as a Reserve for 1966-1982. For twenty-four years (1989-2013), he was the operator of Highland Greens Mobile Home Community in Athens. 

Bill Rouse was a musician and lover of bluegrass music. On most weekends Bill and Rose were either playing Bluegrass music with their band or picking in random jam sessions. They recorded two albums with their band, Bill Rouse & The Uptown Grass Band, “Waiting for the Sunrise” – released 1982 and “Old Spinning Wheel” – released 1985. If they weren’t playing Bluegrass, they would be at the racetrack racing mustangs that he had rebuilt and modified for racing. He was known a lot in town for the different mustangs he owned and raced. 

Bill absolutely loved being around his family, spending time with his kids, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and his animals. 

Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 6:00 PM at the chapel of Lord and Stephens, EAST. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 6:00 PM and following the service. 

Survivors include his wife, Rose Marie Cerroni Rouse; children, Gregory S. Williams, Doloros A. (Theodore) McQuade, William E. Rouse, Jr. (Jackie Sayan) and Jamie L. (Kelsey) Davis;  sisters, Doloros “Dee” Rouse, Linda (Bill) Ackley and Brenda (Bill) Dunlap; grandchildren, Scott Williams, Joshua Williams, Derek Williams, Theodore McQuade, Gregory McQuade, Kristopher (Christina) Rouse, Kody (Kristen) Rouse, Taylor (Mac) Raum, Zachary (Brooklyn) Davis and Colin (Lindsey) Davis. 

Flowers are optional. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com