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Roy E. "Bill" Rawlings Obituary
He was the loving husband of Julie (Batty) Rawlings, who he often referred to as his Gracie.
Bill was born on April 12, 1942, in Providence, R.I. He was the son of the late Rob Roy, and Barbara (Tefft) Rawlings. Affectionately known to some as the Ol' Gator, Bill was a man of many talents and numerous hobbies.
Bill, along with his family, owned and operated the Meadowbrook Golf Course located in Richmond, R.I. He was also an announcer, director of publicity and driver for the Hurricane Hell Drivers in Danbury, CT, but his real passion was his music.
Bill always had his guitar wherever he went and loved to entertain his friends and family. He was very well known in the Blue Grass community for over 40 years and was the member of several bands including Fred Pike & Bill Rawlings and the Twin River Boys, The Country Store, The Goins Brothers and The New Tradition. Bill went on to play at the Grande Ole' Opry and at many venues across the nation.
Bill was an avid Antique Ford Vehicle, motorcycle and vintage tractor collector and enthusiast.
He was past commander of Downy-Weaver American Legion Post 34, a member of the Good Guys Rod & Custom Association and a life member of the NRA.
Bill served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam era, during this time he learned his passion for sky diving.
Besides his loving wife, Bill is survived by his loving cats, Speed, Q-Tip and Uncle Remus, he also leaves several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and countless friends. He will always be fondly remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor and many words of wisdom.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 15, 2014, at 11 a.m., at the S.R. Avery Funeral Home, 3A Bank St., Hope Valley.
Burial with military honors will follow in Wood River Cemetery, Richmond.
Visiting hours will be Thursday from 4-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bills memory may be made to an Animal Shelter of the donor's choice.
For online condolence go to www.averyfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roy E. "Bill" Rawlings
JOANNE JOHNSON
August 7, 2023
No one could ever forget Bill. My favorite memory is when I baked him a double crusted lemon pie and his face lit up!! I enjoyed my daily coffee time with Bill while I worked at the gas station. Bill was amazing friend!! Fondly remembered and sadly missed by all who knew him.
kenneth pichette
August 7, 2022
hi julie, hope you are well. i think of bill often and wish i had spent more time with him and learning from him. may he RIP.
Ralph Kenyon
September 3, 2014
Dearest Julie....
Thinking of you as time moves forward, 1 month is almost upon us. We are still struggling with the realization that Bill has passed. He fought a great battle and you were his strength and support. We remember the day he told us that you both were married. He was so happy and proud. We will miss our chats filled with laughter and stories. We always looked forward to seeing you both. Julie, hold close the special memories, they will bring you comfort and also will let you know that Bill is forever with you.
Surrounding you with love and positive energy.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Ralph & Kathy
Everett Brown
August 25, 2014
Just about 2 weeks ago I was talking with a friend about the best version of lonesome indian,It was Bill for sure,I remember my father Eugene Brown talking of him often when I was really young, god Bless his family and friends during this difficult time.
August 16, 2014
Dear Julie,
Like so many others, I will miss Bills presence and seeing him at the golf course, playing with what "toy" he decided to show off that day. Our prayers are with you.
Bob and Lisa St. George
kenny pichette
August 14, 2014
im so very sorry julie
Linda Harvey
August 14, 2014
Julie, My son, Kurt told me of Bill's passing and you have my deepest sympathy in this time of sorrow. May you find peace with family and friends. Bill came to our home in the 1960's when I was married to Bill's cousin, Jim Harvey and played with his band almost every night. It was a very special time for us all and so may wonderful memories. We saw him off when in went in the service as well and always shared his many adventures. He was truly a special guy and I'm sure will be missed by all who knew him. My son Kurt will be a comfort to you as he loved Bill and will miss playing music with him. Best to you and he is in the loving arms of his creator who gave him such wonderful gifts in life.
Linda R. Harvey
Geneva Farrar
August 14, 2014
so sorry to hear of Bill passing. I pray all your fond memories will comfort you at this time. Please except my deepest condolences. Geneva (Brayman) Farrar
Geneva (Brayman) Farrar
August 14, 2014
I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing I pray all your fond memories comfort you at this time.I am sure he is in heaven singing again, with the angels. God Bless you all.
geneva Farrar
August 14, 2014
Mrs. Rawlings, and the Rawlings family.
I knew "Bill" many years ago when i worked in The Sun Valley Restaurant. He was one of our steady customers. We used to hear him play and sing. He had a wonderful voice. Now I am sure he is singing again with the angels in Haven. Please except our deepest condolences.
I pray all your fond memories comfort you at this time. God Bless. "Gene" Farrar
Doug & Jean Pierce
August 14, 2014
Julie, we are so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Harold Smith Jr.
August 13, 2014
you cannot believe the void left in our golf lives since the close of Meadowbrook. Not only the loss of our favorite place for over 50 years, but the loss of our adopted family. Between Barbara, Rob Julie and Billy to day is truly another sad day. Julie, I know I speak for my whole family, Harry
Bob Pierce
August 13, 2014
Mr Rawlings you will be greatly missed my Friend! Thanks. My sympathies to Julie.
August 13, 2014
WE HAD MANY GOOD TIMES, I`M SORRY JULIE HE WILL BE MISSED SADLY BY ALL THAT KNEW HIM, IT WAS A GREAT SHOCK
JOHN & JACKIE BITZKO
Brian and Lyd
August 13, 2014
Dear Julie, the LaBrosse, Rawlings and Smith Families, words alone cannot describe Bill and what he meant to all of us. We send our sincerest sympathies and take comfort that he can now play and cruise to his heart's content.
August 13, 2014
Dear Julie: Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this very sad time, memories of you and Bill at the different car cruises will always be with us. He was a warm and thoughful person. Love, Bob & Ann Peasley
Dic & Hilda
Dick Souza
August 13, 2014
So sorry for your great loss Julie. I regret I could not be in Rhode Island, but my wife and I are praying that God will comfort you in your time of grief.
May you feel His loving arms around you. God Bless Dick & Hilda Souza
Benndale, Mississippi
Melissa (Dayon) Nott
August 12, 2014
Never forgotten.... Didn't realize the influence he had in my childhood until reflecting this last week. Sorry I never told him but thankful for the memories. Sending love and positive vibes to Julie and family.
August 12, 2014
Julie sorry for your loss.
Sandy and Barry Corbett
Joanne & Robert Johnson
August 12, 2014
Many years ago I enjoyed every morning coffee with Bill, talking happily about cars and life in general. He always had a gravely sense of humor which he and I shared and enjoyed very much. The community has lost a great man, a honorable man and loyal man. I saw him not a few weeks ago and we shared a good laugh. I saw him two days later driving Mr. Finley and we exchanged waves. A great last goodbye to a great friend. To dear Julie and all Bill's family my heartfelt sympathy.
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