Lonnie Rawls, Sr.

The Book of Life was open in the country hills of Hawkinsville, Georgia on September 28, 1952, for Lonnie Rawls Sr. He was the fifth child born in John Henry and Leola Rawls. The family wanted a better life after working on the farms for many years, and "Uncle Pot" as we called him, packed the family in his car and relocated them to a town called Winter Garden, Florida. Lonnie was educated in the Orange County Public Schools System and graduated from Ocoee High School in 1972. His class was the first to attend an all white school after the black school named Charles R. High School was closed in the early seventies. As he grew up in Winter Garden, Lonnie was a hard worker and helped his mother provide for the family. He always referred to himself as "number one" despite all the other siblings. He prided himself on his looks and tried to outshine the rest of the siblings by the way he dressed. He never let us forget that he was the one that made sacrifices for us as we grew older. Lonnie was employed by several companies in Orange County even getting his Operator's Certificates for forklift operation on March 14, 1997. This led him to many opportunities to operate and drive heavy machinery. Lonnie loved cars and was the first to own a motorcycle in the family. He had many friends and he and his best friend, C.D. Blair ("Speedy"), owned cars just alike but in different colors. Over the years, life changed for Lonnie and he spent most of his time to himself. Lonnie moved to Brevard County in January 2023 and lived with his Sister, Mary, and his Brother-in-law, Herman, who took care of him until he was accepted in Sunrise Rehab Center. While living with Mary and Herman he attended Bible study and church every Sunday. He enjoyed being with church family. Lonnie battled a long illness until he was called home to rest on March 26, 2024. Lonnie was preceded in death by his Father, John Henry Rawls Sr,; Mother, Leola Rawls Smith; Brothers; John Henry, Willie T., and Willie Earl Rawls; Sisters: Mamie Lou Rawls and Evelyn Powers; Grandparents: John and Caora Rawls and Willian and Katie Brown; 11 uncles and four aunts. Lonnie Rawls Sr. leaves fond memories to cherish to his four children: Son: Lonnie Rawls Jr, (April) of Atlanta, Georgia; Three Daughters: Sonjetta Keys (Chester) of Apopka, Florida; Dinah Rawls of Orlando, Florida; Sheanierra L. Rawls of Clermont, Florida; and a Former Wife, Cassandra Manuel Rawls. His legacy continues with twelve beautiful Grandchildren: Lonnie Rawls III, Loniecia Rawls, Kalani Rawls, Lelani Rawls, Kayonna Beauford, Camiere Keys, Camese Keys, Carden Keys, Jayceon London, Harmony London, Yasmine Edwards, and Le'Antonio Deloney; 11 Great Grandchildren, five siblings which consists of: A loving Sister and Brother-in-law, Mary and Herman Walker of Rockledge, Florida; Four Brothers: Oliver Rawls, Sr. of Winter Garden, Florida; Ricky Rawls of New York; Lorenzo and Thedis Rawls of Winter Garden, Florida; four stepsister: three stepbrothers; one aunt, Louise Brown of Orlando, Florida; and a hosts of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and loving friends.

Tributes

Lonnie Rawls, Sr.

September 28, 1952 - March 26, 2024