Robert Earl Rawls

AULANDER, NC – Robert Earl Rawls, 71, went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 2, 2026, with his family by his side.
Mr. Rawls was born on July 08,1954, to the late William Otis and Vennie Jones Rawls in Hertford County, NC. Robert graduated from Ahoskie High School in 1973 and was employed with Perdue Farms for 45 years.
Robert was an active and devoted member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, where he served faithfully in many capacities, including deacon, choir member, and piano player for more than 30 years. He was always willing to help in any way when the need arose within the church. Robert was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his brother, William Otis "Buddy" Rawls; his sister, Margaret Bracy; and his nephew, Buddy Bracy.
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Tina Rawls of the home; two sons, William Jock Rawls and wife Karen of Greenville, NC, and Joel Clayton Rawls and wife Lauren of Greenville, NC; three grandchildren, Bryton Cole Rawls, Bailey Grey Rawls and Maverick Stone Rawls; sisters, Jeannette Lassiter and husband Billy of Aulander, NC, Judy Cooke of Rocky Mount, NC, Nita Rawls Morris of Aulander, NC, Jane Bland and husband Kenny of Aulander, NC, and Jeanette Peele and husband Bennett of Conway, NC.
He is also survived by five nephews: Jimmy Lassiter and wife Tammy of Clayton, NC; Douglas Lassiter of Bonita Springs, FL; Scottie Vann and late wife Carol of Aulander, NC; Keith Bland and wife Jenny of Ahoskie, NC; and Ethan Bryant of Aydlett, NC; three nieces: Stephanie Morris Lassiter and husband Robbie of Rich Square, NC, Erica Bryant Slaughter and husband Jason of Ahoskie, NC, and Wanda Bland Case and husband Michael of Falkland, NC. Also surviving are several great-nieces and great-nephews.
The family will receive friends at any time at the home. A visitation will be held at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service-Ahoskie Chapel on January 10, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
A celebration of life service will be held on January 11, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Oak Grove Baptist Church, with the Rev. Greg Hurdle and the Rev. Bob Skeens, officiating. The family will have a private graveside service proceeding the celebration of life.
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service–Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Rawls family. Online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of ECU Health-Roanoke Chowan Hospital, whom God used as instruments of compassion, comfort, and care.
Memorial contributions may be made directly to Oak Grove Baptist Church, PO Box 247, Aulander, NC 27805, with "Robert Rawls" in the memo or online by clicking here.
The service will be live streamed (see link under "Events" then "Celebration of Life"). The stream will begin a few minutes prior to service. In the event there are technical difficulties, the service will be recorded and upload to the obituary. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert, please visit our floral store.