Jack Oakley Rawls, Sr.

Jack Oakley Rawls, Sr., born July 2, 1933 in Jones County, MS, died May 1, 2012 at his home at the age of 78. Funeral services will be held at 10 am Thursday, May 3, 2012 at Memory Chapel with burial to follow at Sharon Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Brian Gordon will officiate. Mr. Rawls was an active member of West Laurel United Methodist Church. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army serving during the Korean Conflict and a member of the American Legion Post 11 of Laurel. Mr. Rawls has a long history of Masonic affiliation. He was a long-time member of the Breckinridge Lodge No. 309 in Sandersville where he served as past master and treasurer. He was a dual member of Laurel Lodge No. 414. Mr. Rawls was a member of Laurel York Rite Bodies and served as presiding officer in all bodies and member of KYCH and RCOC. Additionally, Mr. Rawls was a member of Hattiesburg Scottish Rite Bodies and attained the rank of 33 degree inspector general honorary. He was a charter member and past president of Jones County Scottish Rite Association. Mr. Rawls also was a member of Hamasa Shriners where he served on various committees, including hospital transportation coordinator and a member of the ambassador’s unit and was past president of Laurel Shrine Club. Mr. Rawls was preceded in death by his father, Willie Herbert Rawls; mother, Janie Ethlyn Wedgeworth Rawls; sister, Barbara Nell Rawls Stringer; and brother, John Marion Rawls. He is survived by his wife, Rosa Lee Poore Rawls; daughter, Adonna Lynn Rawls McGill and husband Larry; son, Jack Oakley Rawls, Jr.; and sister, Jolyn Rawls Sellers all of Laurel; and brother, Samuel Kelly Rawls and wife Peggy of Raleigh, NC. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Bethany Lane McGill Simmons and husband Stan of McComb and Bradley Ryan McGill of Laurel; one great grandchild, Riley Thomas Simmons; and two half-sisters, Betty Douglas and husband Roy of Jackson and Merle Elkins and husband Denny of Winter Haven, Florida. Pallbearers will be Willard Walker, Paul Sumrall, Sr., Paul Sumrall, Jr., Greg Simmons, Danny Simmons, and Alvin Darnell. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 pm Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at Memory Chapel which is in charge of the arrangements.

Jack Oakley Rawls, Sr.

July 2, 1933 - May 1, 2012