William Rawls Obituary (2022) – Rock Hill, S.C., NC

William Martin “Marty” Rawls Jr., 69, passed away peacefully at his home on May 6, 2022. He was born Oct. 1, 1952 to Bill and Ethel Rawls. As a child he grew up in both Ville Platte, LA and Rock Hill, SC, where he never forgot his Cajun roots. When he was 18, he joined the Army and served in the Gary Owen Seventh Calvary Division during the Vietnam War. Upon his discharge from the army, he attended USC and graduated with a degree in Business Management. Never content to let the world pass him by, Marty was an active member of both his local and church communities wherever he lived. He served as a President of his Rotary Club in Columbia, eventually becoming a Paul Harris Fellow, and as Secretary of the American Legion Frank Roach Post 34, where he also founded a fishing program focused on helping grandparents and their grandchildren develop meaningful experiences and memories. A devoted Christian and child of God, he participated in his church communities in many ways, including as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, leader of boys’ mission education, and youth mentor, which included his leadership and service at the Oliver Gospel Mission feeding the homeless and modeling discipleship for these youth. Marty was a member of the Gold Hill Road Church of Christ in Fort Mill, S.C. Always quick with a joke or a friendly handshake, Marty’s warmth and love filled whatever space he was in. He was the man you could turn to in friendship or heartache, joy or sorrow—a man who would meet you for the very first time in one breath and welcome you as a family member in the next. A lifelong outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially fly fishing, and he was renowned not only for the size of his tomato plants, but also for the extraordinary roses that he would tend to so lovingly. After Marty’s retirement as a Supply Chain Director, one of his great joys was the camaraderie he shared with his Fishing with Veterans group where he served as Secretary. A loving friend, husband, father, and grandfather, he is survived by his devoted wife, Kimberly Condra Rawls, daughters Allison Rawls Timmons (Gerald) of McConnells and Rebecca Rawls Croskey (Andrew) of Summerville, his six grandchildren: Dwayne, Will, Griffin, and Connor Timmons and Cody and Ivy Rawls Croskey, niece Libby Ball, and nephews Jay Ball and Brady Condra, as well as many beloved members of his extended family. Memorial Service and Visitation: May 14, 11 a.m. at Gold Hill Church of Christ, 1055 Gold Hill Road, Fort Mill, SC 29708. Graveside Service and Military Honors: May 14, 3:30 p.m. at Corinth Church of Christ, 3570 Needmore Road, Woodleaf, NC 27054. Honorary pallbearers: Bob Baker, Jay Ball, Brady Condra, Tim Condra, Andrew Croskey, Eddie Douglas, Jim Sharpe, Gerald Timmons, Griffin Timmons, and Will Timmons. A special thank you to Tina McKnight and Amy Condra. Tina was an angel in disguise as Marty’s Hospice nurse. Amy volunteered her time around the clock to ensure Marty was cared for while the family obtained much needed rest. Memorials: Flowers are welcome, or, in lieu of flowers, please donate in Marty’s name to Riverview Hospice and Palliative Care, 2450 India Hook Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Lyerly Funeral Home is serving the Rawls family. Online condolences may be made at www.lyerlyfuneralhome.com.