Paul Emmett Rawls, age 58, was born on December 18, 1960 and died unexpectedly on Sunday, September 22, 2019.
He was born and raised in Scotland Neck, North Carolina. Paul graduated high school from Hobgood Academy, attended Louisburg Junior College and earned his BS in Biology from University of North Carolina, Pembroke. He worked for the State of North Carolina in the Water Quality Division, Section Chief, retiring after 30 years of service. Paul was a member of Fayetteville Christian Church and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Wendell Rawls and Ruby Price Rawls.
Paul was married to Lori Edgerly Rawls for 35 years and had two children, daughter, Leann Rawls Oatman and husband Chad of Okinawa Japan and granddaughters, Lilly, Addison, and McKenna; son, Paul Ethan Rawls of Hope Mills, NC and granddaughters, Tucker, Avery, and Daisy. He is also survived by his brother, James Wendell “Jay” Rawls, II and wife Donna of Zebulon, NC; his brother for life: Rocky Cooke and wife Liz and Emmie of Cary, NC; and his mother-in-law, Dorothy G. Edgerly of Hope Mills, NC.
A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday September 29, 2019 at Sunnyside Cemetery in Scotland Neck, NC. The family will receive friends after the service at the cemetery. Mr. George Taylor, minister, will be presiding.
Your thoughtfulness is appreciated and in lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Fayetteville Christian Church, your local hospice, or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Letchworth-Sykes Funeral Service in Scotland Neck is handling the arrangements for the Rawls family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.letchworthsykesfs.com.
<3
My prayers for peace and comfort for Laurie, LeeAnn and Ethan. I worked with and for Paul for many years. He was a super mentor for me and helped me with my career. He pushed me to always be my best. I respected him and am very grateful for the way he cared for his staff. He was one of the most caring people for our environment and worked hard to make things better.
I am saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with him many years ago. Praying for peace for the Rawls’ family.
RAWLS WE ARE GOING TO MISS YOU !!!
I was deeply saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. We shared many, many wonderful conversations over the years we worked together. I pray for Grace and peace for the family.
Lori, Leann and Ethan,
I am so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. We know he is in a great place now but we also know how much he will be missed. Paul was always a great person and friend to be around. I feel so blessed to have known him for thirty years – seems long but a short time to not have him with us anymore. Paul was so proud of his family – you could see the love in his eyes and face when we talked about them. Buddy, we are going to dearly miss you but we look forward to joining you when our day comes.
So sorry to hear of the passing of our classmate Paul. I will always remember you and your black rimmed glasses. Prayers going out to all his family.
God Bless,
Kay Mann A Bell
Paul was my next door neighbor and classmate from the 1st grade till graduation. I remember ridiing unicycles with Paul ad Ed Ethridge in the 70s in the Scotland Neck parade. I am saddened to hear of Paul’s passing… . RIP my friend. R/ Mike Bell
Paul probably didn’t realize the many people that loved him and will miss him greatly.
I am so sad to hear of Paul’s premature and unexpected passing. I had the pleasure and honor of working with Paul for six years back when it was called the Division of Water Quality. I found him to be a great mentor and supporter of the collection systems programs and so personable and reasonable in the regulatory environment! He will be missed. Condolences to his family.