Christopher Neil "Chris" Rouse

Christopher Neil “Chris” Rouse passed away peacefully at home in Florence, South Carolina, surrounded by those who loved him most. He was 53 years young, but left behind enough memories, wisdom, sarcasm, and one-liners to last for generations.

Born on July 6, 1972 in Kinston, NC, Chris grew up to become many things: a son, a father, a brother, a veteran, a mentor, a collector of knowledge and guns, and a music guru. But above all, Chris was a fiercely loyal friend and protector who gave everything he had to the people he loved—especially his mother, whom he cherished with every fiber of his being. Chris was a born-again Christian who dedicated his life to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Chris proudly served in the United States Air Force, where he earned the nickname “House Mouse,” not because he scurried, but because he knew everything that went on and everyone who was worth knowing. Chris loved his country and was as American as they come. After his service, he worked at Blumenthal Mills in Marion, SC until its closure in 2009. Shortly after, he discovered his calling in the cable industry. For 15 years with Spectrum, Chris was more than just an employee and supervisor—he was a problem-solver, a mentor, and the guy who would still come fix your cable box even while battling cancer. Service was in his bones.

He had a dry wit sharp enough to slice through steel and a sarcastic comeback for every occasion—yet never used his humor to hurt, only to heal or distract from pain. He wore hilarious t-shirts as if they were armor, disarming strangers with laughter. If you told him “I love you,” he’d shoot back “Love you more”—and mean it.

Chris collected knives, random knickknacks, obscure facts, and friendships that lasted lifetimes. He loved computers, reading, wizard and fantasy lore, sci-fi and anything history related. He knew everything about rock-and-roll and wasn’t afraid to educate you on the finer points of a Metallica guitar solo. He loved to question his family with trivia, betting money if you could answer correctly – but knowing you wouldn’t.

He is preceded in death by his biological father, Raymond Rouse; his stepfather Ronald Elbert Hill; his grandparents Linwood Earl and Evelyn Taylor Stepps; and his beloved uncle Ray Stepps.

Left to carry the flame are his devoted mother Linda Stepps Hill; his children, Javen Dawson Rouse of Florence, SC and Sarah Rouse of Opelousas, LA; his brother Ronald Eric Hill (Farrah Shelton) of Marion, SC, and his daughter Faith Elizabeth Hill; his sister Ashley Lynn Hill (Shayne Matthews) of Marion, SC, and her children Ronni Lynn Hill and Greyson McElveen; his stepsister Wendy Denise Jackson of Newport, NC; his life-long sister-by-choice Jami Spivey; and his dear friend Jamie Baylor.

Chris always joked he had no friends—but as his health declined, he was flooded with visits, calls, and love from those whose lives he had touched. This outpouring left him with a peace he carried with him in his final days.

He wasn’t just a man. He was a presence. He was proof that being smart, sarcastic, and selfless is a legacy worth leaving.

Visitation will be held at Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home in Florence, SC located at 2402 S. Irby St at 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Monday, July 28, 2025, with funeral services beginning at 1:00 PM, and the burial to follow at Florence National Cemetery.

In true Chris fashion, we ask that you come as you are—even if that includes a Metallica or rock band t-shirt or just something hilariously sarcastic – Just know he’ll be watching, rolling his eyes at the cheesy parts, and whispering “Love you more” from beyond.

The family will graciously accept flowers to the funeral home.