James Dale Rawls

With sadness, we share the loss of James Dale Rawls. He was lovingly known as Dale or Poppa. He passed away November 19,2023, in Venus, Florida at the age of 73. He was born in Bradenton, Florida and a longtime resident of Manatee County for most of his life. He currently resided in Venus, Florida the last years of his life. He worked as a lineman for over 30 years for the telephone company. He was a Farmer and Rancher in Parrish and Venus his whole life. He worked in the family operations including Ft. Hamer Farms, Rawls Custom Cutting and Wrapping and a family operated hay bailing business. He was a Sportsman and enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting with his dogs and watching his grandchildren play sports. He loved Guns and knives, and if you had time, he would show you his collection, but this took a lot of time because you had to talk about each one. He loved an episode of Gunsmoke, a good southern cooked meal and catching and eating Mullett. He loved to share his stories and listen to others. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was an example of loyalty and commitment to the things that he loved and believed in. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Vivian Rawls of Parrish. He is survived by his soulmate and loving wife of 53 years, Zora Ladika Rawls (Tootsie), his brother and sister n law Duane (Sandra)Rawls and sister and brother n law Mary and (Wayne) Underhill. His four children Julie and (Scott) Curles, Amy and (Scott) Buice, Tracy Rawls and Jim and (Alana) Rawls. He has 6 grandchildren, Jesse and Miranda Maness, James and Beau Buice, and Audrey and Will Rawls. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.

In lieu of flowers or donations we ask that you take a moment to hug your child, grandchild or friend. Take a walk in the woods for a moment, an hour, or a day, because time waits for no one.

The service will be held graveside at Fortner Cemetary in Parrish on December the 10th at 11:00 am. A celebration of life will follow the services 1-4 pm at Rafter J Barn (Mitchel Johns Barn), 10249 Corbett John Road, Parrish Florida 34219. Everyone is welcome to come share their memories of Dale. Dinner will be served.