A tribute to a life well-lived!

Intelligent * Honorable * Suave * Creative * Masterful * Entertaining * Tough * Capable

Words that describe our dad, Randy Rawls.

Ten years ago, our dad was given a second chance at life after being diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer. He endured excruciating chemo and radiation, as well as proton radiation therapy, that saved his life. But he lost his taste buds, his ability to produce saliva, the ability to swallow and ultimately, closed his esophagus. Over the years he was able to eat less and less. For those that know him, he was a carnivore, loving a good steak with Killian's Beer.  The inability to eat wreaked havoc on his body, however, he continued to write, putter, review books with his critique group, dote on his little Kadie and connect with his lifelong friends daily.  His mind and his heart remained top notch. Even two weeks ago, he was determined to live another 10 years, at least.  Sadly, on October 11, 2024, at the age of 86, our dad lost his battle and joined the Lord.

He lived his life to the fullest. Just like the Frank Sinatra song, "My Way", our dad did it 'his way'.  As we think about the different stages of his life and his broad range of experiences, we can only smile.  His legacy starts in small southern North Carolina township, to his love for music and his alto saxophone, to the military which led to marriage (Mary) in France, children (Tracy and David) and international espionage (yes, we said it out loud for the first time). After his retirement from the Army, with 24 years of service, he was off to Minnesota where he met Diane and his soon to be stepson, James. Next came a move to Virginia, more government work at Vint Hill Farms, then to Texas (always where his heart was) and bicycling, where he thrived. Then to a job in Florida where he met Ronnie and another 20 years of cruises, his critique group, trips to New York (yes, Ronnie is a Yankee), writing newsletters, book signings and enjoying life, to the past five years in Texas, with the past three on Purple Goat Ranch.  He loved the horses, donkeys and other ranch animals; he loved being near family and he embraced his newest role as Pop Pop to his great grandchildren.

From the beginning:

Son to Kater and Idell Rawls, sharecroppers in small town North Carolina, our dad grew up during WWII and ultimately served in the Vietnam War. "These were the days when kids were only in the house for meals, sleeping, and being punished". He and his neighborhood friends played a few thousand games of tag, hide and seek, BB gun wars, races, wrestling matches, and many others.  In his teens, he found music. He learned to play the alto saxophone in high school and was in numerous bands through his early 20s; even having a record producer give him a card and with a request for him to call. In his memoir, he shared that he and his sax were a "pair made in heaven".  He played every pickup band that came along, from Dixieland to Big Band to Rock and Roll to Old Standards.

He loved music to this day, especially Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Instead of pursuing a degree in Music at East Carolina University, he ended up at NC State studying Mechanical Engineering. While music was his heart, he continued to play in numerous bands across campus, and throughout the state.

Our dad ended up in the Army, dedicating his life to our country. He was a proud American. His top-secret clearance led him to a world we will never know. He took all his secrets with him. After retiring from the Army, he spent another 20 years working for the government in similar positions as a civilian. When he retired the second time, he took up writing. He was never without his laptop or a book in process. He also took up bicycling. After riding across Texas, he decided he wanted to ride from Key West to Key Largo and back, in two days.  A total of 197 miles round trip, across the Seven-Mile Bridge up and back and along the narrow A1A, he succeeded, sore butt, burnt lips and all. Our dad used to tell us that you can do anything you set your mind to. He also said "can't isn't a word" in our vocabulary.

With numerous grandchildren – Rachel, Roxanne, Tyler, Kyleigh, Josh, Kaleb, Brittany, Heather and Ryan and four great grandchildren – Cailynn, Cooper, Eli and Katana, our dad embraced his expanding family, and grew more and more family oriented as the years went on.

We will sincerely miss our dad.  We know he will be missed by many.  The outpouring of sympathies has opened our eyes to the many he touched all throughout his life. He was a good man. An honest man. A proud man.  A smart man. A man who loved living and had a lot left to give. But, the Lord called him home.

As Frank Sinatra sings "I did it my way" – that is our dad. He did everything his way. And we are darn proud to be his kids.

---------------------------------------

A Celebration of Life, followed by a Graveside Military Burial will occur October 24, 2024.

10:30am – 12:30pm – Visitation & Storytelling

Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home

189 N. Seguin Ave.

New Braunfels, Texas 78130

1:00pm – New Braunfels to San Antonio

processional to Gravesite

Depart Doeppenschmidt at 1pm

Proceed to Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery

1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd.

San Antonio, Texas

2:15pm – Graveside Military Burial Service, Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery