Samuel Rawlston

WHITWELL Samuel Lamar Rawlston, 87, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012, at the Terrace at Mountain Creek in Chattanooga. He was born Sept. 12, 1925, in Hamilton County. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Blanche Rawlston; his first wife of 48 years, Elloise Morgan Rawlston; son, Scotty Rawlston; second wife, Janey Rawlston; sisters, Dorothy Williams and Mary Rawlston.Survivors include, daughter, Becky (Jack) Burchell; grandchildren, Brian (Tarah) Burchell, Kevin (Monkee) Rawlston, Kristie (Daniel) Buchanan, sisters, Edna Sims and Rita Barger, brother John (Shirley) Rawlston; five great-grandchildren Brandon, Lauren, Layla, and Mia Burchell, Seth Hasting.He was a member and former deacon at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. He moved to Whitwell in 1947, where he became a farmer and school bus owner/ operator. Mr. Rawlston was a veteran of the US Navy during World War II who served his county honorably during campaigns of North Africa and Italy, as well as the South Pacific.He was a devoted family man, serving the needs and interests of others. A passion for bluegrass and gospel music contributed greatly to his happiness during his retirement years. The family desires to thank those who assisted him during his years of illness, both at the Terrace and Caris Hospice.Family will receive friends 9-11 a.m. CST, today.Funeral service today at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Johnny Jones officiating. Burial will follow at Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by Sequatchie Valley Honor Guard.Arrangements are by Whitwell Memorial Funeral Home 423.658.7777.