John L. Rouse, Jr.

John L. Rouse Jr., 63, of Lillington, NC, passed away unexpectedly on December 2, 2023.

John “Lynd” was born on February 2, 1960, in Lenoir County, NC, to the late John L. Rouse and Peggy Rouse. He was a graduate of South Lenoir High School. He received his undergraduate degree at East Carolina University and his master’s degree from Central Michigan University in Administration. He worked in the healthcare field for over 30 years, with 28 years of experience in Public Health. He served as the Health Director in Duplin and Sampson County and has been the Harnett County Health Director since 2003. He was the past President of the North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors and Harnett County United Way. He previously served on the NC Department of Labor, Farmers Safety Council, and FAHEC Board of Directors. He served on the East Carolina University School of Public Health Advisory Council, Campbell University PA/MPH Program Advisory Board, NC Local Health Department Accreditation Board, Southern Regional AHEC Board of Trustees, Harnett County Transportation Advisory Board, Harnett County Opioid Task Force, and State Employees Credit Union Advisory Board. He was the 2009 recipient of the North Carolina Public Health Association Reynolds Award, selected as the 2012 NCALHD Health Director of the Year, and 2019 recipient of the M. Keith Fearing, Jr. Community Health Sciences Award from Campbell University. 

Although he did so much professionally and for his community, he did so much more for his family. He loved spending time with his wife of 18 years, Monica, and their daughter Campbell. He was an amazing husband and father. He spent countless hours patiently sitting through many dance competitions and recitals watching Campbell dance. He was proud to be a dance dad. He also loved the few opportunities that she asked to go hunting with him, even though she slept most of the time. He was just happy to get a picture as proof to show his friends.  John was an incredible son to his parents prior to their deaths. He spent countless hours these last few months making sure his mom was comfortable before she passed away. His favorite hobby was hunting, but he also appreciated a good cigar, loved a nice bowtie, and enjoyed any John Wayne movie. To the surprise of many, he also loved the Harry Potter marathons, Disney movies and music, Hallmark Christmas movies, bluegrass music, and sitting outside watching hummingbirds.

John is survived by his wife Monica Rouse and daughter Campbell Rouse; stepdaughter Jennifer Denning; and sister Joy Rouse. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Memorial Baptist Church in Buies Creek, where John was a member. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the North Carolina Public Health Association - John Rouse Scholarship Fund, 222 N. Person St., Suite 208 Raleigh NC 27601 

Livestreaming of the memorial service will be available on the Memorial Baptist Church Facebook page.

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