Z. Hardy Rose *

Bio

(1918-1999)

Zeno Hardy Rose joined the firm in 1948 and practiced over forty-five years until his retirement in late 1993. Rose was born in Wake County on February 26, 1918 but was reared in the Martin County town of Williamston. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Wake Forest College. During World War II, Rose served in the United States Army Air Corps as a Navigator and participated in the D-Day invasion at Normandy. Following the conclusion of the War, Rose returned to Wake Forest College where he earned his law degree. Upon being admitted to the North Carolina bar in 1948, Rose joined in practice with Oliver Rand and William Lucas and created the firm that bears his name to this day.

At the beginning of his career Rose developed a general practice as was common for an eastern North Carolina attorney of his era. He handled cases from business representation to criminal defense. However, by the end of his career, Rose focused largely in the areas of wills and estates.

Rose was an active member of his community, a long-time member of the Elks Club and various other organizations. He was a member and regular participant in events at Wilson’s First Christian Church, where he taught Sunday school for a number of years. Rose enjoyed golfing and surf fishing, a skill which he passed on to members of his family.

Rose is remembered in Wilson and the North Carolina legal community for his legal knowledge and integrity.

Professional & Community Activities

Wake Forest
Wake Forest School of Law