William F. Rawls

Bill was born in Rocky Mount, NC and and after high school served in the U.S. Navy for four years as a radio operator, including service during the Korean conflict. After his military service, Bill enrolled at North Carolina State University in Raleigh through the GI Bill, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. It was in Raleigh where he met Jeanette “Jean” Norman, whom he would later marry.

Upon graduation from North Carolina State, Bill accepted a position with Shell Chemical in Houston TX, and later moved with Jean to Virginia to work for Celanese Corporation. He and Jean subsequently moved to Greenville SC where Bill helped start up and operate the new Fiber Industries nylon manufacturing facility. Thereafter, in 1972 Bill started Fibre Chemicals Inc. (now Custom Synthesis) in Anderson SC, where he spent over 25 years as President and Plant Manager.

In his retirement years, Bill enjoyed his sailboat at Lake Hartwell, growing vegetables in his home garden each summer, spending time in his workshop making repairs or working on a special wood project. He especially enjoyed making all types of items for his grandchildren.

He was a committed Christian who loved his Lord, enjoyed Bible study and spent considerable time seeking Biblical truth. Most recently, he attended worship services at The Gardens at Eastside where he had been a resident for nearly 4 years.

Bill was predeceased by his wife, Jean; his oldest daughter Betsy Pangle; and his brother Teele. He is survived by a son, Blair Rawls and wife Becky; a daughter, Leslie Russell and husband, William; son-in-law Ben Pangle – all of Greenville; a grandson, Matt Pangle (Hannah) of Columbia SC; granddaughters Rachel Rawls and Caroline Russell , both of Greenville; and his sister Hazel Carr of West Palm Beach, FL.

A funeral service for Bill will be held Monday, September 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC 29609, with committal to follow in the park.