Everett Earl Rouse, Jr.

Everett Earl Rouse, Jr.
November 25, 1966 – October 14, 2023

Zebulon, NC – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Everett Earl Rouse, Jr., a beloved husband, stepfather, musician, and consummate professional, who departed this world on October 14, 2023. Everett left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him, and his legacy will forever resonate through the music he played, the love he shared, and the lives he touched.

Everett was born on November 25, 1966 to his parents, the late Everett Earl Rouse, Sr., and Eleanor Faye Rouse. In his early years, he overcame many obstacles and went on to graduate from Lenoir Community College, setting the foundation for a successful career in the field of information technology. As a dedicated and accomplished IT manager, he climbed the professional ladder to become Vice President of IT at several banks, leaving an enduring impact on his colleagues and the organizations he served.

However, it was not just in the corporate world that Everett found success. His true passion lay in the world of music. A gifted musician, he enchanted audiences with his soulful singing, skilled guitar playing, and mastery of the keyboard. Everett’s musical journey included unforgettable moments with bands from his first, Travis Hunter, to Leesburg, Vintage and Yankee South, where he showcased his amazing stage presence and brought joy to those around him.

Everett’s life was one of patience, generosity, and unwavering dedication to his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Stephanie Rouse, and stepson, Justin Hammond, of Raleigh. In the face of personal challenges, Everett remained a pillar of strength and a source of comfort to those he held dear.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister Sandra Rouse, and brother Chris Rouse. Their spirits join his on a celestial stage where the music of eternity plays on.

Everett’s warmth extended beyond the melodies he crafted. He was a man who ensured everyone felt welcome and loved in his presence. A provider in every sense, he tirelessly worked to create a nurturing home for his family. His skills were not limited to the stage or the office; he was also a handyman and an excellent cook, leaving behind a trail of cherished memories associated with family gatherings and shared meals.

As we say our goodbyes, let us remember Everett, not only for his professional achievements and musical prowess but for the love he poured into every note, every dish, and every moment with his family and friends. In honoring his memory, may we find solace in the harmonies of the life he lived and the impact he made on the world around him.

A memorial service to celebrate Everett’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell, NC 27591. A Memorial Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made online to NC State University’s Counseling and Prevention Services Fund to support students in crisis or to the Triangle Survivors of Suicide which provides support and resources for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one by suicide.

May he rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the music that defined his soul.

Memorial gifts may be made to NC State University’s Counseling and Prevention Services Fund. Please make checks payable to the NCSU Foundation with Counseling and Prevention Services noted in the memo line. Mail to: NC State University, Campus Box 7301, Raleigh, NC 27695. Memorial gifts can also be given online: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1209/give19/form.aspx?sid=1209&gid=214&pgid=7348&cid=11690&bledit=1&dids=9283&amt=0.00

Arrangements are entrusted to Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory. www.stricklandfuneral.com.