Elbert Rawls

Elbert “Al” Rawls, 85, of Hot Springs passed peacefully on July 12, 2016. He was born on January 2, 1931 in Norfolk, Virginia to the late Elbert and Sarah Rawls. Al graduated from Norview High School in 1948. In 1950 he went to apprentice school at Norfolk Naval Air Station where he worked until 1958, during this time he also served in the Naval Air Reserve. In 1966 Al went to work for Bowman Distribution as a sales representative. He remained with the company and worked his way up throughout the years eventually becoming a District Manager. His district held the largest sales numbers in the country. In 1993 Al retired from the company. Out of all of Al’s achievements he always said that aside from accepting Jesus as his personal savior, marrying Sue was the smartest thing he ever could have done. They married in 1954 and enjoyed 62 years of love, friendship and family, always sticking together. They were truly soulmates. After retirement the things Al enjoyed the most revolved around his church activities and working at the Virginia Beach National Golf Course and his time associated with the Tides baseball team. Al is survived by his wife, Sue Rawls; children, Rebecca Jones (Tom) and Jeffrey Rawls (Carole); step sisters, Esther Forehand and Doris Tarkington; grandchildren, Elizabeth Curington, Christopher Rawls, Andrew Jones, Kelly Rawls and three great grandchildren. Waiting for him at the gates of Heaven are his sister, Shirley Elliott and brother, Floyd Rawls. Sue would like to extend a special thank you to her children Becky and Jeff for all of their love, support and compassion during this incredibly difficult time. Al was loved immensely and will be missed beyond measure. The family will hold a private gathering to celebrate his life.