He was born April 7, 1936, in New York, the son of James Thomas and Erika (Wolff) Rawls. He graduated in 1954 from Falls Church (Va.) High School. He moved in 1972 to Lawrence.

Mr. Rawls served in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1956. He then worked for the federal government in Washington, D.C., and the State Department in Mexico City. He has worked for Kmart Distribution Center, Sallie Mae and NCS for the past 30 years. He was a member of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church.

He married Barbara Perkins on June 23, 1962, in Wayne, Mich. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include a son, James, Ocoee, Fla.; two daughters, Christine Harrison and Elisa Rawls, both of Lawrence; a sister, Susan Cranston, Baldwin; and a granddaughter.

The family suggests memorials to Douglas County Hospice, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.