After a long battle with Parkinson's on February 9, 2019, the soul of our beloved father, husband, grandfather, uncle and friend took flight on the wings of the angels and went home to God.

Roland G. Rawles was born to the late Ruth Harrell Frances and Jethro Edward Rawles on September 29, 1932 in Nasemond County, Virginia. He graduated from East Suffolk High and completed a 2-year vocational training program at Norfolk State University in the seventies. He worked at Norfolk Southern Railroad for 38 years. And later became a license contractor for over 30 years with his business partner Andrew Gray, and his late brother James Rawles.

Roland leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Rosia Rawles; three children, Roland R. Rawles and wife Tammy Rawles, Sharon Rawles Gardner and husband William, and Portia Rawles; stepchildren Jonathan Shields and Jana' Shields; his sisters Clarine Jones, Marion Osborne and husband Herb; three grandsons Brent Gardner, Jugril Rawles, and Rolonzo Rawles; five greatgrandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 am on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home. Viewing will be from 5pm until 7pm on Friday, February 15, 2019 at the funeral home. Interment will be at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk, VA 23434 on Tuesday, February 19, 2019.