William “Bill” C. Rawls ’57 – Davidson College

Dr. William “Bill” C. Rawls, 84, of Newport, threw off the confines of his tired body and left us Thursday, April 4, 2019. He died at his home.

His service is at 1 p.m. Monday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Beaufort, officiated by the Rev. Tambria Lee.

Bill was born Sept. 29, 1934, in Rocky Mount, and was educated at Davidson College. He married Helen Turlington in 1956 and fell in love with the idea of becoming a physician after meeting her father. He completed his medical degree and then residency training to become an OB/GYN at his beloved University of North Carolina. He remained a steadfast UNC basketball fan for the rest of his life.

He was so happy to live long enough to see them beat Duke twice this year. He practiced his medical art in New Bern for many years and raised two sons, who followed his circuitous path into medicine. He and Helen retired to the Beaufort area, where they became a part of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Bill was a physician, sailor, comic, pig-cooker, husband, father and grandfather. He was a man who truly had a sense for adventure and wonder. He had great fortitude to the very end of his life and was an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Helen Turlington Rawls; his eldest son, William “Bill” C. Rawls Jr., wife Meg Foster Rawls and their two children, Braden and Billy; and his younger son, James Turlington Rawls, wife Darlene Oxendine Rawls and their daughter Maya. And last but certainly not least, he is survived by his beloved chocolate Labrador, Luke, who misses him badly.

“Many thanks to all in this great community that helped Bill and Helen over these many years.”

Flowers are welcome, or memorial donations may be sent to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 215 Ann St., Beaufort, NC 28516.

Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. of Morehead City. Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.