Eddie G. Rawlston

Edwin “Eddie” Gordon Rawlston, age 77, passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family and song, and entered into the glorious presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, August 17, 2026.

Eddie was a lifelong resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee, born on May 27, 1949, to the late Edwin Leonard Rawlston and the late Betty Brown Rawlston.

A proud Army veteran, Eddie served his country with steadfast dedication. He was a member of Ironworkers Local 704, working on several notable structures around the region, including the Shelby A. Rhinehart Memorial Bridge, the Chattanooga Convention Center, the IMAX Theater at the Tennessee Aquarium, Veterans Bridge, and many Tennessee Valley Authority projects, just to name a few.

Eddie was a longtime member of Silverdale Baptist Church, where his faith and commitment to loving people well were reflected in years of faithful presence and service in many ministries. These included the Banner Ministry, Vacation Bible School, the Car Care Clinic, the annual Ladies Christmas Tea, and the Missions Ministry, but his most favorite was making a joyful noise by singing in the Choir and on the Praise Team.

Eddie is survived by his loving and patient wife of 45 years, Deborah Rawlston, his devoted daughters, Kathryn and Kimberly Rawlston, his beloved son-in-law, Jonathan Bartholomew, precious granddaughter, Sophia Kate, and dear sister, Barbara H. Rawlston. He is also remembered by many cousins and close friends, as he never met a stranger.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Monday, August 24, 2026, in the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. A celebration of life will follow at 6:00 pm in the chapel with Pastor Tony Walliser, Rev. Dr. Bobby Atkins, and Pastor Chuck Patrick officiating.

Burial will take place on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 11:00 am at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Pallbearers include Jonathan Bartholomew, Gus Aguirre, Med Dement, Mike Cate, Dennis McDowell, and Deron Austin. Honorary pallbearers include Chet Carney, Raymond Kendrick, Bruce Malone, and Wade Dyer.

In lieu of flowers, the family will be creating a scholarship fund for Sophia in memory of her PopPaw. If you would like to contribute, please contact the family directly for details. Other contributions may be made in Eddie’s memory to the charity of your choice. As Eddie would say, “Just tryin’ to be a blessin’!”

Please share your thoughts and memories at: www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com.

Arrangements are under the care of the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421.