1915
Thomas
2016
Thomas A Rawls
October 1, 1915 — April 15, 2016
Thomas A. Rawls, Jr., a resident of Diamondhead, MS, passed away on the 15th of April, 2016, at the age of 100. He was born on the 25th of October, 1915, in Poplarville, MS. He married Eleanor Castle on May 2, 1940.
Thomas attended Pearl River Junior College and later Washington and Lee University, where he earned his bachelor degree in Business Administration. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, participating in the operations at Utah Beach in France, and then in Belgium and Germany as a member of the 5th Armored Division, 75th Medical Battalion. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his outstanding service as battalion sergeant major.
After serving his country, Thomas returned home to take over the Rawls Company Store, which eventually became the Sunflower Grocery in Poplarville. He also served as an Alderman and as Mayor of the City of Poplarville for 20 years. He was named Citizen of the Year of Poplarville in 1951. He served on the Board of Directors of Hancock Bank. After retiring to Diamondhead, he served on the first Board of Directors of the Diamondhead Property Owners' Association. During his retirement, he also enjoyed playing golf, fishing, and gardening.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas A. Rawls, Sr., and Mattie Caver Rawls; his wife, Eleanor Castle Rawls; and his daughter, Judy Kaye Rech.
He is survived by his daughter, Jane Hufft; his grandchildren, Tim Kilby of Houston, TX, Michelle Keele of Seattle, WA, Bryan Kilby of San Jose, CA, Chris Hufft of Baton Rouge, LA, and Clay Hufft of Dallas, TX; and five great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in his name to the Diamondhead United Methodist Church, 5305 Noma Drive, Diamondhead, MS 39525.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Diamondhead United Methodist Church, Diamondhead, MS. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 PM at Poplarville City Cemetery, Poplarville, MS.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 9113 Kiln Delisle Road, Pass Christian is serving the family.
An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com.
Thomas attended Pearl River Junior College and later Washington and Lee University, where he earned his bachelor degree in Business Administration. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, participating in the operations at Utah Beach in France, and then in Belgium and Germany as a member of the 5th Armored Division, 75th Medical Battalion. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his outstanding service as battalion sergeant major.
After serving his country, Thomas returned home to take over the Rawls Company Store, which eventually became the Sunflower Grocery in Poplarville. He also served as an Alderman and as Mayor of the City of Poplarville for 20 years. He was named Citizen of the Year of Poplarville in 1951. He served on the Board of Directors of Hancock Bank. After retiring to Diamondhead, he served on the first Board of Directors of the Diamondhead Property Owners' Association. During his retirement, he also enjoyed playing golf, fishing, and gardening.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas A. Rawls, Sr., and Mattie Caver Rawls; his wife, Eleanor Castle Rawls; and his daughter, Judy Kaye Rech.
He is survived by his daughter, Jane Hufft; his grandchildren, Tim Kilby of Houston, TX, Michelle Keele of Seattle, WA, Bryan Kilby of San Jose, CA, Chris Hufft of Baton Rouge, LA, and Clay Hufft of Dallas, TX; and five great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in his name to the Diamondhead United Methodist Church, 5305 Noma Drive, Diamondhead, MS 39525.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Diamondhead United Methodist Church, Diamondhead, MS. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 PM at Poplarville City Cemetery, Poplarville, MS.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 9113 Kiln Delisle Road, Pass Christian is serving the family.
An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com.
Service
APR 19. 11:00 AM Diamondhead United Methodist Church 5305 Moma Drive Diamondhead, MS, US, 39525
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