Dr. Ashton Neal Rose, 78, of Charles City, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 2, 2025. Born in Columbia, SC, on March 9, 1947, he was the son of the late Ernest Ashton Rose and Mary Neal Cloaninger Rose.

Neal is survived by his wife, Betty Sue Owen Rose of Charles City, VA; his two sons, Darren Rose of Providence Forge, VA, Ashton Rose and wife Christina of Manhattan Beach, CA; his granddaughters, Paloma and Luca Rose of Manhattan Beach, CA; his sister, Kaye Houser and husband Joe of Chapin, SC; his niece Anne Marie Smallwood and husband Jason of Chapin, SC; and his great nieces Mary Ashton and Millie Grace Smallwood of Chapin, SC.

Neal graduated from Clemson University in 1968 and then entered the University of Georgia Veterinary School graduating in 1972. Immediately after graduation he accepted a position with Dr. Taylor P. Rowe and Dr. Doyle Philpy at the Broad Street Veterinary Hospital in Richmond, Virginia and went on to become sole proprietor when they retired. Neal was both skilled and practical in his professional career. He was an insightful entrepreneur who built a highly professional practice at Broad Street Veterinary Hospital. He helped mentor and shape all who had an interest in helping animals. After 50 wonderful years of being a well-loved and trusted veterinarian, Neal retired in 2022.

Neal loved anything outdoors. Hunting, fishing, gardening were his passions. One could only imagine the exotic places where he traveled. From fishing in the Amazons, the Seychelles (an island in the Indian Ocean) to his grandparent's homeplace in Sardinia, SC, he was in his element.

Neal will be remembered for having a positive attitude, a hearty laugh, and a love for animals. He was a cherished friend to many and a trusted healer of treasured pets. We will forever be grateful for our time spent with him.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM, Saturday, June 14th, at Lebanon Methodist Church, 10220 Garners Ferry Rd, Eastover, SC 29044. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the church beginning at 10:00AM. Burial will follow the service in the Rose plot of the Church cemetery. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to any animal shelter or a charity of your choice.