Tommy Rawls

Tommy Louis Rawls, 67, of The Colony, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2023, after a lengthy illness.

Tommy was born May 7, 1955, in Beaumont, Texas, to Frank and Joyce Rawls. He was the fifth of nine children. He grew up in Beaumont, Texas, and spent many summer days visiting his grandparents in Jasper, Texas. He was a good husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and a friend to all. Tommy’s job experiences included: US Steel, Over the Road Truck Driver, Delivery Driver, LISD Maintenance, and CNC Operator. Tommy had a contagious smile, a firm handshake, a willingness to help, and a friendly demeanor. Tommy didn’t know a stranger. If you met him in an elevator, you would have a new friend by the time you reached your floor. Tommy also coached for The Colony Recreation Center football teams for many years. His love of coaching extended past the football field and into the daily lives of his young players. Tommy was grounded in his faith in Jesus Christ, steadfast in his volunteer work within the Emmaus community, and enthusiastically active in his church choir. His love of singing began at a young age, thanks to his mother, and his smooth mellow bass tones were further testimony to his faith. His favorite gospel group was The Williams Brothers and his favorite hymn to sing was “Precious Lord.” You couldn’t be around him without feeling his joy. He is best known for his loyalty to his beloved Dallas Cowboys. ‘Go Cowboys, Already!’

Tommy is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Sam and Jimma Rawls, and his maternal grandparents, Willie and Lula Mitchell; his parents, Frank and Joyce Mitchell Rawls; His brothers, Johnny Rawls, Willie ‘Ray’ Rawls, and Clifton ‘Tank’ Rawls; his sister, Diane Rawls Cooksey; along with uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Maxcine and their fur child, Buttons; his sister: Lula Rawls Wilson; his brothers: Stevhen Rawls (Venieta), Peter Rawls (Cassandra), Richard Rawls (Susan); his daughters, Shiya Rawls (Harold Speed), and Washona ‘ChoCho’ Rawls Hodges; his stepchildren: Timothe Mast (Tammy) and Danielle Mast; his grandchildren: Knoah Washington, Kahlil Washington, Braevion Hodges, Brooklyn Hodges, Katy Mast, Kari Mast, Richie Barnhart, Kassie Mast, and Lexi Barnhart, as well as extended family, friends, mentors, and coworkers he touched during his life, who loved him dearly and helped him become the person he was.

In the last days before he went to heaven, Tommy was treated like a king by VITAS Hospice. They engaged with him, his family, and his friends with dignity, respect, and love. VITAS enabled Tommy to be surrounded with love as he gained his wings. If you wish to make a memorial contribution, we ask that you consider VITAS. Please visit vitascommunityconnection.org for more information or to donate. You can also include “Tommy Rawls” on the memo line of funds mailed to: VITAS Community Connection, P.O. Box 645352, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45264-5352.  The family would like to give a special thank you to the Vitas In-Patient Hospice Unit at Carrollton Regional Medical Center, Carrollton, Texas, for their loving support and care during Tommy’s time in God’s waiting room.