AULANDER – Robert Edward Rawls, age 85 of Aulander, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at Vidant Roanoke Chowan Hospital of Ahoskie.

Bobby was born on September 11, 1928 to the late Hal Carlton and Merle Joyner Rawls in Wake Forest, NC. Bobby attended Aulander High School and Wake Forest College where he was a proud Demon Deacon. Following College he served in the U.S. Army.

Soon after his military service, he returned home to North Carolina to operate and manage the family farm, with Hereford cattle and crops, including tobacco, peanuts, and soybeans. Bobby married the love of his life, Virginia Ferrell Brown of Rich Square in 1955. They were happily married for 58 years, and were blessed with three sons.

Bobby served as Hertford County Commissioner as well as leadership roles in the agriculture and farming industry.  Mr. Rawls had many hobbies, including fishing, sports, playing his guitar, and enjoyed being with his family.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Virginia Ferrell Brown Rawls; and his sons, Martin Keith Rawls of Aulander, Jeffrey Neal Rawls and wife, Dr. Susan Wright Rawls, of Cary, their children, Meredith and Anna Rawls, and Clay Brown Rawls and wife, Theresa, of Ahoskie.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 15, 2014 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel, prior to the service, with light hors d’oeuvres being served.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel, with the Rev. Dr. Tim Mizelle officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 221 Pleasant Grove Road, Aulander, NC, 27805.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Rawls family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.