William Rawles was born on November 18, 1930, to the union of Eddie and Ada Rawles in Jackson, North Carolina. He attended the Northampton County School System. During his childhood, he attended Roanoke Chapel Baptist Church in Jackson, North Carolina, for many years. Upon relocating to Newark, New Jersey, he attended Calvary Baptist Church in Plainfield, New Jersey. In 1993, after his retirement, William relocated to Yorktown, Virginia, and joined hands in fellowship with St. John Baptist Church in Williamsburg, VA. He regularly attended services until his health began to fail.
William loved family life and being a great provider. He was a fantastic dad and a man of great respect. Although he was a quiet and simple kind of guy, he loved helping others. He was dedicated to his work and pleasing his family. He loved playing cards and working on cars. His favorite was a Cadillac. In the 1960’s William had admiration for the Prince Hall Free Masonry Organization and became a member, where he continued to utilize his strong gift of helping others and being a great team player.
William was employed with the General Motors Assembly Division and retired after thirty-four years of service. He worked at the Linden Plant and received several awards and recognitions for outstanding performance. He also appeared in a television commercial. His exceptional interest and work ethic helped to contribute towards several successful achievements of the plant.
In 1965, he joined holy matrimony with Elsie Roberts in Newark, New Jersey. This union was blessed with two children, Danielle and William “Billy.” Elsie was his pride and joy. She was his best friend, partner, and wife until the very end. His children were also the loves of his life, along with his adorable grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
William departed this life on Saturday, October 15, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Ada Rawles. He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife, Elsie of Yorktown, VA; two daughters, Danielle Rawles of Yorktown, VA, and Lisa Sheppard (Keith) of New Jersey; three sons, William Rawles of Newport News, Marshall Johnson (Antoinette) of New Jersey, and James Johnson of New Jersey; one brother, Cornelius “Billy” Rawles of Richmond, VA; one sister, Gloria Murry of Richmond, VA; fourteen grandchildren, Germaine, Daya, Chauntel, Craig, Marshall, Tyron, Tyson, Jasmine, Naeem, Juean, Keith, Marquis, Nia, and Nylah; four great-grandchildren, Jamar, Damontia, Antonio, and Zuri Reignn; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday, October 21, 2022, at St. John Baptist Church. Livestream will be available at the beginning of the service. Interment to follow in Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News. Mr. Rawles may be viewed on Friday in the church beginning at 11:00 a.m. Facial coverings are required.
Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com
