Thomas Gerold "Jerry" Rawlins

Jerry touched countless lives through his relentless generosity and expertise. He was always willing to lend a hand, train or assist any way he could. May we honor him through kindness and selfless service to others.

Jerry was born in Seville, Florida, (a 3rd generation Floridian), he moved to Palm City in 1949. He graduated Martin County High School and remained close to childhood friends who met every Wednesday to talk over old times. Some are probably even true.

Jerry’s greatest loves in life were his dear (sometimes) wife, Beth, of 60 years, his wonderful son Christopher, his cherished daughter in law, Janet & very special grandson Peter Rawlins. He loved his dogs and just about everyone he met loved and respected him. He was a loving father & grandfather, and will be missed every hour of every day. One day we hope to smile because he was here, not cry because he is gone. But that’s not today.

He is also survived by his great nephews, whom he considered friends also. Marty Rawlins, (Debbie) great niece & God daughter Danielle, great niece Courtney, (David) & their sons, Wade & Calvin; Derek, (Aimee), William Lassiter (Rebecca) and their daughter Megan; Lindy DeLoach, (Becky), great niece Brandi & great nephew Dillon Deloach; his sister, Joyce, her son Lee, (Maria), their son Thomas & daughter Jill; niece, Tina, (Earl), his great niece Bree, &nephews Christopher & Kyle.

His surviving Huggins family whom adopted him as their own, is his brother-in-law, Ken Huggins, (Edie), daughter Sharon, nephews Michael Paul and Crawford; nephew Michael Huggins, (Stacey) & their daughter Ash. His brother-in-law, Jack, (Maureen), grandson Jackson & his partner Jacques, Linda Parker, his son Johnny (Angie) and step-son Jack, her daughter Diana, (Sean) great great nieces Hannah and Phoebe.

He was employed by Florida State Turnpike as equipment operator, after high school graduation, and was promoted to Superintendent by 1965. In 1966, we pulled up stakes and headed to Alaska, looking for a better way of life. He worked in construction there, then working on the Alaska Pipeline from one end to the other. His various experiences on the pipeline would fill a book. Alaska was a perfect fit for his love of flying. His first plane was a red champ, with wheels & floats, that we promptly dubbed The Red Baron. He moved up to a twin-engine Cessna, but the Red Baron was always the favorite.

On returning to Florida, he was an active member of Liberty Baptist Church in Fort Pierce, making many life-long friends there. Some have gone on ahead and he undoubtably enjoyed his reunion with them, his parents and in laws who grew to love him line a son.

He is preceded in death by his father William Rawlins, Sr, mother Carolyn Rawlins, brother William Rawlins Jr, Sister Willeeta DeLoach, brother-in-law Jimmy Deloach & nephew Terry DeLoach; sister-in-law Gail Rawlins and nephew Brian Rawlins.

He will be missed.