Dwight Steve Rawlinson

It is with great sadness that the family of Dwight S. Rawlinson announces his passing on August 28, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. Dwight was a 39-year resident of Las Vegas, Nevada. Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a Purchasing and Risk Manager for the City of North Las Vegas. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force. Dwight leaves to mourn his passing his beloved wife of forty years, The Honorable Johnnie B. Rawlinson, two daughters, Dr. Monica Rawlinson-Maynor (Elvis) and Traci Rawlinson, both of Las Vegas, a son David Rawlinson of Columbia, SC, and three grandsons Marc, Danny and Malachi, upon whom he doted. A celebration of Dwight’s life is planned for Saturday, September 24, 2016 at the J.W. Marriott in Summerlin at 1:00 p.m., with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in Dwight’s name to the American Cancer Society.

Dwight Steve Rawlinson entered this world as an early Mother’s Day gift to Sitrenia Owens Rawlinson and the late Horace David Rawlinson on May 11, 1953 in High Point, North Carolina. Dwight grew up in High Point where he excelled in academics and sports. He was a standout athlete in three sports: football, basketball, and track, earning a varsity letter in all three sports. In addition to being an outstanding athlete, he was also a member of the National Honor Society and an excellent swimmer. Dwight graduated with honors from High Point Central High School in 1971.

Following his high school graduation, Dwight attended North Carolina A&T University on an academic scholarship, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration. While in college, Dwight recognized the importance of public service and joined the Air Force ROTC with the goal of becoming an officer in the United States Air Force. It was also while in college that Dwight met the love of his life, Johnnie M. Blakeney. Following graduation from college, Dwight achieved his goal of becoming an officer in the United States Air Force. After completing his training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, he proudly served his country, beginning with his first assignment at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, California as a member of the Medical Service Corps. Prior to reporting to Mather Air Force Base, Dwight married Johnnie in the presence of family and friends in Kannapolis, North Carolina on June 27, 1976. Dwight completed his military service at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, NV where he was honorably discharged. It was at this time that he and Johnnie adopted Las Vegas as their new home and the place to raise their family.

After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Dwight continued his career in public service working for the Clark County Sanitation District, the City of Las Vegas, Clark County, and the City of North Las Vegas, where he was the purchasing and risk manager. He retired from the City of North Las Vegas in 2010. In his retirement Dwight enjoyed traveling, tinkering with classic cars, reading, and spending time with his grandsons (who were the apples of his eye). Dwight especially enjoyed all genres of music and compiled an extensive collection of vinyl records. He was also proud of his vintage camera collection.

Dwight was preceded in death by his father Horace D. Rawlinson, his older sister Virginia L. Ward, and his son-in-law Dr. Marc S. Maynor, Sr. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 40 years the Honorable Johnnie Blakeney Rawlinson, his mother Sitrenia Rawlinson of High Point, North Carolina; three beloved children: Dr. Monica Rawlinson-Maynor (Elvis) of Las Vegas, Traci Rawlinson of Las Vegas, and David Rawlinson of Columbia, South Carolina; three grandsons Marc, Danny, and Malachi; three brothers: Gregory of High Point, North Carolina, Raymond of Washington, D.C., and Byron (Jeri) of Danville, Virginia, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.

Those who have known Dwight over the years recall him as a man who loved his family, who was kind to everyone he met, who enjoyed a good laugh, and who lived a life of abiding integrity. In his own quiet way, Dwight left an indelible impact on everyone he encountered. That is his lasting legacy.