# 20
Hometown: Paris, KY (High)
Position: G Playing Height: 6-0 Playing Weight: 170
Date(s) Committed: July 25, 1950
Date of Birth: November 2, 1932
Date of Death: November 12, 2016
Legal Name: Robert Gayle Rose
Additional Photos: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)
Action Photos: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Game by Game Statistics
Prep Notes:
Chuck Taylor Player of Year and North-South All-Star
Kentucky Career Notes:
Retired Jersey #20
Post-UK Career Notes:
Served in the Military
University of Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame
| Season | Games Played | FG | FGA | % | FT | FTA | % | Total Rebs | Asst. | F | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1951-52 | 28 | 46 | 117 | 39.32 | 20 | 30 | 66.67 | 30 | 24 | 36 | 112 |
| 1953-54 | 23 | 56 | 162 | 34.57 | 42 | 65 | 64.62 | 31 | - | 67 | 154 |
| 1954-55 | 24 | 66 | 186 | 35.48 | 45 | 80 | 56.25 | 64 | - | 64 | 177 |
| Total | 75 | 168 | 465 | 36.13 | 107 | 175 | 61.14 | 125 | 24 | 167 | 443 |
Obituary - Robert G. Rose, Lexington Herald-Leader (November 20, 2016)
ROSE Robert Gayle, age 84, died peacefully in his daughter's arms on November 12, 2016 at The Homeplace at Midway after a long and courageous 12-year battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He was born on November 2, 1932 to the late Dr. J. M. Rose and Violette Fultz Rose in Olive Hill, KY. He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Beverly Prall Rose and his daughter, Stacei Rose. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Gilbert Rose (Patricia) of DeSoto, TX; his brother-in-law, Dr. Joseph Knight (Marjorie) of Aberdeen, OH; and his nephew, David Rose (Amber) of Cynthiana. He is survived by his brother, Rev. James Rose (Jo Ann) of Cynthiana; his sister, Marjorie Rose Knight (Joseph) of Tallahassee, FL; his sister, Carolyn Sue Rose Wile (Bob) of Lexington; nieces and nephews.
Gayle had the distinction of playing basketball for his brother, Jimmy, at Olive Hill and Paris High Schools. In 1949, he led the Paris Greyhounds to the semi-finals of the State Tournament, where he was named to the All-State Tournament Team and a consensus All-State selection. In 1950, he was named the most outstanding player of the Central Kentucky Conference, to the Kentucky All-Star Team and a consensus All-State selection. He was one of three players from Kentucky invited to participate in the North-South Game, where he was named Mr. Basketball. He was also named a First Team Chuck Taylor Converse All-American selection.
He went on to play for the University of Kentucky from 1950-55, where he was the point guard for The Undefeated Team of 1954. In 1955, he was named an All-Regional NCAA selection. He was also a member of the U.S. Air Force R.O.T.C. He graduated in 1955 with a B.S. in zoology. In the months that followed, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a pilot at Hondo A.F.B. In 1956, he was selected to play for the U.S. Air Force All-Star Team. He was honorably discharged in 1957 with the rank of First Lieutenant.
Gayle returned to the University of Kentucky and graduated from the College of Pharmacy in 1960. He was employed by McAdams and Morford Drug, Bourbon County Hospital, Hart's Drug and was part owner of Gaines' Pharmacy in Georgetown. In 1970, he began Rose Pharmacy in Olive Hill, where he served the people of Carter County for over 35 years, as his father had done before him.
He was President of the Olive Hill Industrial Foundation and served on the Board of Directors of the First National Bank of Grayson for over 30 years; he attended the First Christian Church. After his retirement, he returned to Lexington in 2011, where he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and attending Southland Christian Church.
Gayle has been inducted into the Paris High School Hall of Fame, the 10th Region Hall of Fame, the Dawahares/Kentucky High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame and the University of Kentucky Athletics Hall of Fame. His jersey (#20) hangs retired in Rupp Arena. Gayle was infinitely competitive, handsome and dashing. He was truly a man for all seasons, who never gave up his fight against Alzheimer's Disease.
His passions were U.K. basketball, golf, hunting and fishing. He could spend hours telling stories about playing basketball for Coach Adolph Rupp. We are forever indebted to the staff at The Homeplace at Midway for giving Gayle the most amazing love and care during his journey Home. Remembrance donations for Gayle may be made to Lexington Leadership Foundation, P.O. Box 4654, Lexington, KY 40544. Private services at Milward-Broadway and the Georgetown Cemetery. www.milwardfuneral.com
