Dr. John Callison Rawl

LEXINGTON - Dr. John Callison Rawl, 78, died peacefully at his home on August 24, 2025. Born in Columbia, South Carolina on September 10, 1946, John was the son of the late Thomas Henry Rawl, Jr and Helen Callison Rawl of Lexington, SC.

Dr. Rawl graduated from Lexington High School and then the University of South Carolina in 1967. He earned his Doctor of Medicine in 1971 from Duke University School of Medicine where he served as president of the senior class. Following his graduation from medical school, Dr. Rawl completed his residencies in general surgery and urology at Vanderbilt University Hospital in 1977. He then joined Columbia Urological Associates where he was a partner for over 40 years before they merged with Lexington Urology prior to his retirement. He was actively involved in the medical staff at Baptist Hospital serving as Chief of Staff, a board member of South Carolina Physicians Care Charity and was a clinical assistant professor of urology at the University of South Carolina. He was a member of the Fortuna Investment Club, Columbia Medical Journal Club, the South Carolina Debutante Ball and numerous medical societies.

Dr. Rawl was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where he served on church council. He loved Gamecock football and Duke basketball was an avid gardener who also loved to travel on big adventures with his family including individual trips with each grandson.

Dr. Rawl is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Lynn Tate Rawl, daughter Amy Rawl Epps (Elliott), and his grandsons Henry James Cole, John Elliott Epps, Thomas Rawl Epps and Sullivan Lawrence Epps. He is also survived by his sister Susan Rawl Daniel (Horace) and his brothers Thomas Henry Rawl III (Patricia) and Richard Preston Rawl (Janice), nieces Lisa Daniel Payne, Allison Daniel Woods, Rebecca Elaine Rawl, Martha Grace Rawl, nephews William Thomas Rawl and David Christopher Rawl. He is also survived by his former son in law Andrew Norman Cole and his faithful Scottish Terrier Wellington.

Dr. Rawl was predeceased by his daughter Susannah Rawl Cole Simpson (George).

Dr. Rawl was a beloved physician who took great pride in giving the best possible compassionate care to his patients. He fiercely loved his wife, daughters, grandsons, family, friends and his patients. He was a kind and honorable man and a role model for all. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church followed by a reception at the home of Amy and Elliott Epps, 5233 Lakeshore Drive, Columbia, SC 29206.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Brad Word for his excellent care and guidance through Dr. Rawl’s battle with Parkinson’s disease and would also like to thank his caregivers Bertha Abney and Rebecca McKnight.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1715 Bull Street, Columbia SC 29201; The Free Medical Clinic, 1875 Harden Street, Columbia SC 29212; or Hammond School 854 Galway Lane, Columbia SC 29209.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.