A devoted husband, dedicated father, and adored Pawpaw lost his battle with cancer. William J. Rawls peacefully passed at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, November 28, 2015.
W.J. was born on September 25, 1946, in Jasper, to Mildred and Johnny Rawls. He has three siblings, older brother, Robert A. Rawls, and younger sisters, Marlene L. McKee, and Lisa R. Rawls. W.J. graduated from Spurger High School in May of 1965. In July of 1970 he joined his life to Linda F. Condray. This year they celebrated forty-five years of marriage.
W.J. was an honorable member of the United States Navy and assigned to shore duty in Vietnam, 1967-1968. He began working at Mobil Oil Refinery after returning from the war. He retired after seventeen and a half years to begin his lifelong dream job, a Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden. In 1994 he was promoted to Captain Game Warden. Upon the completion of twenty years of service with TPWD, he retired.
Survivors include his wife, Linda; daughters, Tonya Rawls and Carissa McCown and her husband, Killeen Police Department Officer, Nathan McCown; his greatest blessings, grandchildren, Justin Jacobs, DT Miller, and Asher and Iley Grace McCown; and loving, loyal, companion puppy, Levi. He is preceded in death by his parents.
A gathering of Mr. Rawls’ family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 1, 2015, at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee. His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 2, 2015, at Broussard’s, with his interment to follow at Ferrell Cemetery, in the Holly Fork Community, Colmesneil.
It was W.J.’s wish that memorial contributions be made to St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, NICU, Austin, Texas. Please send contributions to William J. Rawls Memorial Fund, c/o Educators Credit Union, 501 West State Highway 6, Waco, Texas 76710.
Complete and updated information may be found at: broussards1889.com
