June 15, 82, Seven Springs
Bryce Quinton Rouse, 82, was called home to his Heavenly reward on Saturday, June 15, 2019. Bryce was born March 21, 1937 in Lenoir County to the late Jim W. Rouse and Ella Quinn Rouse.
Early in life, Bryce received a call into ministry and became an ordained minister with the Original Free Will Baptist Church on February 3, 1968. His dedication and commitment to ministry were evident as he pastored the congregations of May’s Chapel, Rooty Branch, Daly’s Chapel, and Grant’s Chapel. He later served as an interim pastor at Seven Springs Baptist Church and preached God’s Word at various churches throughout Eastern North Carolina when the opportunity arose. He retired from pastoral ministry in 2016, but continued to serve his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
A graduate of Mt. Olive College and Atlantic Christian College, Bryce’s career extended outside of the church as well. He helped to shape the lives of many as he taught school and worked in mental health as an abuse counselor.
A lifelong farmer, Bryce loved the land and the values it taught. He personified strength, endurance, and hard work. He worked many long hours, dedicating himself to the success of the farm. In later years, he found great pleasure helping his son, Greg, on the farm. He would freely offer him advice, and in Greg’s eyes, no one plowed tobacco like his daddy.
Bryce’s love of the nature and the earth extended beyond the farm. He was an avid gardener and could spend hours tilling, planting, and weeding the rows. Watching the crops grow from the earth and seeing God’s hand at work gave him a great sense of satisfaction. Bryce was a talented craftsman and loved working with his hands. On a rainy day or in his spare time, he could be found in the shop woodworking. Sundays were spent going to church, enjoying a good lunch, and walking down to the fish pond. He was happy just to be with his boys and didn’t care if the fish were biting or not.
Bryce married the love of his life in 1955. He cherished the time that he and Vendetta spent together. They worked hard to build a life and raise a family. He was a stern disciplinarian and the children always knew where he stood on matters. He taught his children to walk a straight line and work hard. He was a doting father, but his grandchildren held a special place in his heart. Bryce introduced his grandsons to the hog houses before they were walking and, together, they shared a passion for hog farming. Bryce’s life and legacy will long be remembered and cherished by his family.
A service to celebrate and remember Bryce’s life will be held Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Rouse Family Cemetery.
Bryce is survived by his wife of almost 64 years, Vendetta Murphy Rouse; three children, Eddie Walker “Ed” Rouse and wife, Diane, Cindy Rouse Blizzard, Gregory Quinton Rouse and wife, Brandy; seven grandchildren, E.J., Chad, James Earl, Justin, Quinton, Christopher and Amanda; five great-grandchildren along with a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bryce was preceded in death by a grandson, Joseph Edward.
Family and friends will be received Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Memorials may be made to the Free Will Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 249, Middlesex, NC 27557. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
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