John C. Rawls

Rawls, John C. Former Educator and Principal, Dr. John C. Rawls, age 93, passed away January 18th, 2017 at the Veterans Administration Hospital. Dr. Rawls was a graduate of Lincoln High School, class of 1941. He enrolled in Talladega College in Alabama, and left to join the Army in 1943 serving until 1946. He returned from his tour of duty, and enrolled at North Carolina A&T, University where he received his Bachelors of Art Degree; Dr Rawls furthered his studies at the University of Iowa, and received his Doctorate from Nova University. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, where he served as past Organist, and a member of the United Methodist Men. Dr. Rawls performed his civic duties as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc., Beta Epsilon Chapter, life member #21, where he was the oldest living life member; he was as a member of the Board of Directors for Florida Credit Union, where his exemplary service resulted in an Administration building at the Corporate Headquarters was named in his honor. His desire to educate afforded him the opportunity to serve as the principal of Shell Elementary, Duval Elementary, and Idylwild Elementary School where the school Music room is also named in his honor. He is survived by his wife: Yvonne C. Rawls, Gainesville, FL, children; John C. Rawls, Jr.(Natalya), Memphis, TN, Gerard R. Rawls(Amanda), Houston, TX, Cedric W. Rawls(Tanza), Austin, TX, Valencia Rawls Gore(Robert), Largo, FL, brother; Dr. George H. Rawls(Lula), Indianopolis, IN, and six grandchildren. Funeral Services for Dr. Rawls will be held, 1:00pm, Friday, January 27, 2017 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Rev. Destin Williams, Pastor, Rev. Geraldine W. McClellan, Officiating; burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Chestnut Funeral Home, Inc., 18 N.W. 8th Avenue, Gainesville, FL. Dr. Rawls will repose in the Chestnut Memorial Chapel on Thursday, January 26, 2017, from 2:00pm until 5:00pm, and on Friday at the Church from 12:00noon until the hour of Service. A Wake Service will be held Thursday, January 26, 2017 from 6:00 until 7:30pm at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church with Omega Rites by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at 7:00pm. Family and friends are asked to meet on Friday at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Rawls, 5808 S.W. 49th St., Gainesville at 12:00noon to form the Cortege. In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions be made to the John C. Rawls Education Foundation, checks to be mailed to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. P.O. Box 2014, Orlando, FL 32802 or the John C. Rawls Scholarship Fund, mailed to Florida Credit Union, checks to be mailed to P.O. Box 5549, Gainesville, FL 32627. "A CHESTNUT SERVICE"

Tributes

John C. Rawls

January 18, 2017