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Lewis Rawls Obituary

RAWLS, Lewis Entered into eternal rest on the afternoon of April 3, 2007, his 76th birthday, Lewis Edward Eddie Rawls, Sr., husband of Beverly Caldwell Rawls. Residence, Charleston, SC. The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Rawls are invited to attend the celebration of his life at two o'clock, Friday, April 6, 2007, in Ashley River Baptist Church. Interment after the funeral in St. James Episcopal Churchyard, James Island. Friends may call at J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL, Thursday between six and eight o'clock. Ed was born April 3, 1931 in Charleston, the son of Benjamin B. Rawls and Velma Harrison Rawls. He graduated valedictorian from Murray Vocational School in 1948. Having lettered in basketball while at Murray, all sports played a special part in his life. Growing up in downtown Charleston on the Mitchell playground, he made many lifetime friends. Before entering the University of South Carolina, Ed worked on the railroad many years to save money for college. Ed worked his way through the university and graduated in 1957 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a loyal Gamecock supporter and gave full scholarships for many years to the school that gave him a chance. Graduation from USC was a huge accomplishment for someone who had no parents and no outside means of support. He worked as an Engineer with Westinghouse and the Navy before setting down roots at the Charleston Air Force Base. He served as the Deputy Civil Engineer and retired after 31 years of service for the United States government. He also worked part-time in the hardware/tool departments at Sears and then West Ashley Lowes. He always treasured the friends he made while working at these two businesses. While at the Air Force Base, he met and married the secretary in his office. Beverly was the love of his life and they shared 27 years of marriage. She gave to him two precious children, Lauren and Lewis, Jr. Lauren and Lewis gave him a lifetime of joy and happiness, experiences he never dreamed he would have. He always attended dance recitals, chorus concerts, piano recitals, basketball games and Cub Scout Meetings. He even dared on an occasion to accompany the church youth group to a cold rainy Darlington Raceway for a NASCAR race with Lewis. He shared with Lauren and Lewis his love for music and gave to Lewis his prized Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar, of which Lewis plays with pride. He always said he wanted to live long enough to see them graduate from college and become gainfully employed. Fortunately he was able to reach that goal and watch both his children graduate. He is their true legacy. Ed was an active member of Ashley River Baptist Church and their Senior Citizens group. His faith in his Lord Jesus Christ was an inspiration to his family and his knowledge of the scriptures was immense. He also was Past Master of Strict Observance Masonic Lodge, member of Tau Beta Pi, the Engineering Honor Society, and a Kentucky Colonel. He leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his loving memories: his wife, one daughter, Lauren Alaine Rawls, one son, Lewis E. Rawls, Jr., all of Charleston; one sister: Marian R. Johnson of Virginia Beach, VA and one brother: Benjamin B. Rawls, Jr. of Hickory, NC and a host of nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends. The family would like to thank all of the faithful servants in the medical offices that cared so lovingly for Ed over the years and your comforting words will always be remembered. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier on Apr. 5, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Lewis Rawls

Not sure what to say?





Lynda Bousquet

April 27, 2007

Beverly,

Alex just told me this evening of your loss. I am so very sorry we weren't there for you, but please know that Alex, Nick and I think the world of you and will pray for you and your family. Although I never had the opportunity to meet your husband, I can only imagine he was as exceptional as you. Again, our deepest sympathies.

All our love,
Lynda, Alex, and Nick Bousquet

Sherry Cornwell

April 10, 2007

Beverly, so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts & prayers go with you and your family during this time. Deepest Sympathy.
Todd, Sherry & Rebecca Cornwell

Ruth, Lillian, Patricia, and Marsha Humbert

April 6, 2007

Dear Beverly, Lauren, and Lewis:
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,

Krystle Drew

April 6, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Audrey Cheney

April 6, 2007

Beverly,
I am so sorry to hear that Ed had passed away. I'm keeping you and the kids in my prayers in the coming days and weeks.

Laura premak

April 6, 2007

Beverly,
May God Bless you and your loving family that Ed cherished so much.
Had your dear Ed not agreed to tutor me in math in the late 70's, I would never have made it through high school Algebra and Geometry! My mother and step-father, Bobbie and Stan, loved Ed and thought the world of him. They both have passed on to Heaven, and can be there to welcome Ed in God's Holy light. May He comfort you in your time of loss.
Bless You All,
Laura Premak

Helen Needham

April 6, 2007

Beverly, Lauren and Lewis,

Ed was certainly a special man. From all I have read about him in recent days he accomplished many things in his lifetime and created a legacy of which you call can be proud.

I didn't know him well but a very special memory I have of him is when he went on a field trip with my sixth graders and some other parents. He gave up a week to spend with his son, Lewis, and about 25 or 30 other sixth graders when we took a big adventure and went to the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. Ed was so good with the kids and got along well with all the other parents also. He was there to help in any way and was such an asset to the success of our trip. I will always remember him for his kindness and willingness to go with us and a bus load of sixth graders. If I recall correctly, he celebrated his 65th birthday while we were on our trip. What a birthday, huh!

Beverly, I know that you will miss your beloved husband. I can not begin to know how you feel but I do know that you treasure the years you had with him and the beautiful family you two created together. I truly believe that the strength you have shown comes from God because you know that Ed is now with Him and as you said, "He is walking the streets of gold." What more joy and peace can one ask for than to know that their loved one, the one they shared so many years with here on earth, is with our Heavenly Fataher.

Lauren, you have become such a beautiful young lady and I know that your father loved you so much and was very proud of you and all you have accomplished. May God bless you in the days ahead with peace, comfort and courage to face the future. May the memories of your "daddy" give you joy and comfort both now and in the future.

Lewis, you have become such a fine, nice looking young man. I know that your Dad was very proud of you and all you have accomplished.
I pray that God will give you peace, comfort and courage in the days to come and forever. May you always keep the memories of your "daddy" in your heart so that they will give you joy and comfort both now and in the future.

God bless each of you and may you cling to the blessed assurance that one day you will see Ed again.

Toby Spencer

April 5, 2007

Beverly, Lauren and Lewis,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love you all,
Toby and Family

Clare Miller

April 5, 2007

Beverly,

You, Lewis and Lauren are in my thoughts and prayers. May our Lord give you peace now and in the days ahead.

Jane Warren

April 5, 2007

Beverly, so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts & prayers go with you during this time.

Love in Christ, Jane Deer Warren

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