Elwood Neil Rawls, 76, died on June 22, 2020, after a long illness. He was born on March 30, 1944 in Tampa, Florida, to parents Elwood and Virginia Mathis Rawls. He graduated from Boone High School in Orlando, Florida, in 1962. At Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi, he majored in music education, participated in the Concert Choir, in musicals and was a member of a Varsity Four Quartet that sang for schools and organizations upon invitation. After receiving a Bachelor of Music Education, Neil began his graduate Degree at the University of Southern Mississippi where he earned a Master’s of Music Education in 1971. Neil is survived by a daughter Stephanie, Winter Park, and a brother Jim Rawls of Ocala, Florida. He is predeceased by his second wife, Charlene Lowe.
Mr. Rawls worked as a much-loved choral director for 5 years at Niceville High School, Niceville, Florida, Oak Ridge High School in Orlando, Florida, for 25 years, and 5 years at Boone High School of Orlando. His groups participated each year in the Florida Music Festival, contest for ensembles, solos, and choirs,
receiving excellent ratings through the years. For a number of years, Mr. Rawls also served as Minister of Music in Baptists churches in Mississippi, Northwest Florida and Pinecastle, Longwood and First Baptist Church, Orlando. He loved to fish and going to Florida football games. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Orlando.
A visitation will be from 10:30-11:00 A.M. Monday, June 29, 2020 with a Funeral Service at 11:00 A.M. at Baldwin Fairchild at 7520 Aloma Avenue with Bill Curl officiating . Burial will follow at Glen Haven Memorial Park on 2300 Temple Drive, Winter Park, Florida.
We know there are many who want to say their goodbyes and show their respect for Neil, unfortunately due to COVID-19, for the safety of all concerned, it breaks our hearts but we must restrict those coming to the funeral to only immediate family and close friends who are completely well to comply with the 50% (50 people) capacity mandated by the CDC. Masks are encouraged. We appreciate your support in this difficult decision. Please visit www.baldwinfairchildgoldenrod.com and offer condolences and take a moment to write a tribute.
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