Ulysses Rozelle

Ulysses Rozelle, son of Dorothy Tate, was born on February 4, 1940 in Docena, Alabama. He answered his Master’s call to Glory on Thursday, October 1, 2020. As a young child, his family relocated to Logan County, West Virginia. Ulysses was blessed to move next door to Orlando Henderson at the age of 4 and they would become life-long friends. He completed his formal educa- tion at the local public schools, and graduated from Aracoma High School in 1958.
After graduating from high school, Ulysses attended Bluefield State College, graduating in 1963 with a B.S. in Education. An impactful part of his college experience was his participation in lunch counter sit-ins and other endeavors that were politically relevant at that time. Also while attending college, Ulysses pledged membership into Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Shortly thereafter, he began a professional football career with the Philadelphia Bull- dogs (American Football League) which was short-lived because he was drafted into the U.S. Army and deployed to Vietnam. In 2018, he was selected to attend Honor Flight Cincinnati to Washington, DC for his sacrifice and commitment to his country.
Following his tour in Vietnam, he relocated to Cincin- nati with his college sweetheart, Jean Crews. They united in holy matrimony in 1965 and from this union, two beautiful children were born, Kelly Jean and Ulysses Brandon.
In 1965, he began his career with Cincinnati Public Schools that would span more than 35 years. Mr. Rozelle, affectionately known as “Mr. Ro” or “Coach Ro” had a major impact on the lives of students at the following schools: Bloom Junior High, Quarter Tech, Hughes, Cincinnati Academy of Physical Education (CAPE), ending his teaching career at Taft High School. Ulysses earned a Master’s Degree from Xavier University (Ohio). He taught Biology, Anatomy and Physiology. Coach Ro gained great pleasure coaching alongside his life-long friend, Jim Engel in a variety of sports to include: foot- ball, basketball, track and field. These two even took on the responsibility of advising a cheerleading squad. He also worked in the capacity of Athletic Director at Taft where he became an influential figure in the West End. His love for young people lead him to work with Teen Institute (Drug Prevention and Awareness Program at CPS). Outside of his school career, he managed to find time to coach the Silver Coach Cowboys (Semi- Professional Football). Ulysses was also presented an opportunity to travel all over the country as an official for U.S.A. Amateur Track and Field Association. Ulysses attended Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church. In the late 1980’s and early 90’s, he did chauffeur work for his good friend, Jim Washington (Washington Limousine Service). In his free time, you could find him covering his office hours at Sonny’s on California or Brother’s Café.
Ulysses loved his family, loved sports and was very serious about education and uplifting others. His infec- tious smile, sense of humor and quick wit will be truly missed.
Ulysses was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Tate and three brothers, Charles, Michael and Roland Anthony. He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving daughter, Kelly and son, Brandon; siblings, Robert, Gwendolyn and Jacqueline; granddaughter, Tiffany; great- grandsons, Lyndale and Damon; one nephew, nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.

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