History

Kent Marcum serves as President of the firm and is active in assisting families and directing funerals on a regular basis. Kent and his wife, the former Cathy Calloway are the parents of two children, Andrew and Whitney. A licensed funeral director and embalmer in the State of Tennessee, Kent is a graduate of the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science and attended the University of Tennessee and Lincoln Memorial University. An employee of Rose Mortuary since 1976, he is a member of the McKinney Lodge, Northside Kiwanis Club, North Knoxville Business and Professional Association and Halls Business Professional Association. . Kent enjoys golf, reading, and traveling.

Robert Starkey serves as Vice-President and Secretary/Treasurer of the firm and is active in assisting families and directing funerals on a regular basis. Bob and his wife, the former Ann “Kitzie” Miller are the parents of three children, Beth Starkey Duncan (Gary), Brian Starkey (Sarah), and Adam Starkey(Janna). Brian and Adam are both full time staff at the funeral home. A licensed funeral director and embalmer in the State of Tennessee, Bob is a graduate of the Tennessee Military Institute, University of Tennessee, and the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He is a member and past president of the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association, has served on the policy board of the National Funeral Directors Association, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Knoxville. Bob is the Past President of the Tennessee State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. Bob and Kitzie are members of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church. He enjoys spending time with his eight grandchildren, family, and reading about maritime history.

Brian Starkey serves the firm as a funeral director and embalmer. Brian is a graduate of Webb School of Knoxville & the University of Tennessee where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. After a professional career as a screenwriter in Los Angles for 13 years he and his wife returned to Knoxville to raise their twin daughters. Brian attended Jefferson State Community College of Funeral Service Education graduating at the top of his class. Brian is a member of the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association. Brian is married Sarah Bohm Starkey of Knoxville and they have twin daughters, Sophie and Maddie who attend Concord Christian Middle School where Sarah is the sixth and seventh grade math teacher. His family attends FBC concord. Brian loves the art of story telling and views Funeral service as both a ministry and "Life Story" telling opportunity. He enjoys writing, traveling with his family, and constantly perusing innovation to keep the firm relevant for today's families.

Adam Starkey is a life long resident of Knoxville. He graduated from Farragut High School in 1998, the University of Tennessee in 2002 with his bachelors and 2003 with his masters. A former teacher in the Knox County School System, Adam is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the State of Tennessee. He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and has been the manager at the Rose - Mann location since 2016.

Adam is married to the former Janna Rymer. Adam and Janna have 4 children (Xander, Brooklyn, Max, and Gracie). Adam and Janna attend NorthStar Church where he and his wife lead a life group and volunteer in the student ministry. He is also active in the men's bible study CLC. Adam is a member of the Breakfast Rotary Club of Knoxville. He coaches the boys middle school soccer team at Concord Christian School and enjoys spending time with his family, playing ping-pong, amateur woodworking, and University of Tennessee athletics. Go Vols.

Drew Marcum serves the firm as a funeral director and embalmer. An associate of Rose Mortuary since 2001, Drew is a graduate of Knoxville Catholic High School, Carson-Newman College, and Jefferson State Community College of Funeral Service Education, and attended Nashville School of Law. He is a member of the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association, is active in the Independent Funeral Group of Tennessee, and serves on the Advisory Board of the Jefferson State Community Funeral Service Program. Drew is married to Kathryn Nottingham of Kingsport who is a nurse practitioner. They are members of Grace Presbyterian Church. Drew enjoys golf, fly fishing, and spending time with friends and family.

Whitney Marcum Hunthrop serves the firm as an administrative assistant specializing in death certification and insurance services at our Broadway Chapel. She is a graduate of Knoxville Catholic High School and attended the Tennessee Technology Center and Carson-Newman College. Whitney is the wife of Justin Hunthrop, and mother to Parker Hunthrop. She is a member of the Emory Road Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Whitney enjoys horseback riding, writing and watching movies.

Frank Davis serves as a funeral director for the firm. An associate of Mann Mortuary since 1978 and Rose Mortuary since 1996. A licensed funeral director in the State of Tennessee, Frank is a member of the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association. Frank and his wife Bashie enjoy traveling and music in their leisure and spending time with their pets.

Charles S. (Smitty) Giles, II serves the firm as a funeral assistant. Smitty lived his early years in Signal Mountain, Tennessee. He is a graduate of Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga and attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville studying Business Administration, Communications and Ornamental Horticulture.

He and his wife, the former Marilyn Henegar of Clinton, Tennessee, are the parents of three children and are members of Concord United Methodist Church and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Smitty is a veteran’s advocate honoring our veterans through participation in Tennessee Patriot Heart Riders and Rolling Thunder, Inc. Tennessee Chapter 3.

Sam Ware serves the firm as a funeral director. Sam is a graduate of Tennessee Wesleyan College and has also done graduate work. He is a licensed funeral director in the State of Tennessee and is a member of the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association. Sam and his wife, Karen, have three daughters and two granddaughters and are members of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Sam enjoys music and reading.

Bill Martin serves as a funeral director and embalmer for the firm. An employee of Rose Mortuary since 1979, Bill is a graduate of Gibbs High School and the Mid-America College of Mortuary Science. A licensed funeral director and embalmer in the State of Tennessee, Bill is a member of the Burlington Lodge #763 F&AM, the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association and is a Pre-Need Sales Agent. Bill and his wife Debbie have two daughters, Kayla Akins and husband, Drew and Brooke Martin, and attend Corryton Church. He enjoys softball and basketball.

Raymond joins the Rose Mortuary staff as our first comfort dog. Ray is a graduate of Off Leash K9 Training Knoxville's emotional support animal development training program where he earned a Good Citizen Certificate from the AKC. Ray love's to snuggle and be given treats.