Today is my Grandma and Poppi Rawlings' 66th wedding anniversary. Some of you know that Poppi passed away unexpectedly last month on 12/19. Today I thought I would share various thoughts and memories to celebrate their anniversary. I know this is a tear-jerker, but I'm just so proud of Poppi that I needed to take the opportunity to share.
Things I miss about Poppi:
- his unending love and loyalty to Grandma
- holding his hand whenever we sat by each other
- watching him play with my kids, especially playing "dealership" with Ella
- his long stories
- the smell of his aftershave
- his enjoyment of dark chocolate, pretzels and "well done" (overcooked) food
Here are some of my favorite recent pictures of Poppi:
And here is the obituary my Mom and I collaborated on:
Billie George Rawlings passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at his home in Meridian, MS. Billie, also known by his family as "Poppi", was born on August 25, 1925 in Meridian, MS. He attended Meridian schools. He had one brother, Rodrick "Bobby" Parker Rawlings.
On Jan. 11, 1944, Billie married his high school sweetheart and the "catch of his life", Marie Kennedy Shirley. The two enjoyed 66 happy years of romance. Their favorite activities were traveling, watching football and serving at their church together.
Billie joined the Navy at the age of 17 and served in WWII as well as the Korean War. He then was a Policeman for the Meridian Police Department. His career culminated with service as a medical technician in the Mississippi Air National Guard at Key Field, where he was known affectionately as "Doc" and respected by all. He retired in 1985 after 36 years of service.
Mr. Rawlings volunteered much of his time to The Episcopal Church of the Mediator in Meridian. He served as a Licensed Lay Reader/Chalice Bearer, Sr. Warden, Jr. Warden, Parish Administrator and Usher. Billie was also recognized by the High School Activities Association for 21 years as a football referee. He was a Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts. One of Billie's favorite pastimes was fishing in the nearby lakes.
Survivors include his wife, Marie of Meridian, son, Leonard "Lindy" Rawlings, Sr. and his wife Betty of Starkville, MS, daughter Dianne Wilbur and her husband Fred of Austin, TX, grandchildren, Lindy Jr., Breland, Lisa, Lexi, and Chad, great-grandchildren, Heather Allene, Olivia Marie, Andrew Parker, Evan, Grayson, Ella Marie and Naomi Catherine.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to The Church of the Mediator or The American Heart Association. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Godwin, Michael Godwin, Douglas Latham and Marlon Sparks. The family would like to express sincere appreciation to Mertha and Charles Godwin, neighbors for over 50 years for their abiding friendship, constant care and concern.
Services for Billie George Rawlings will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Helen Tester officiating. Interment will be in the church Columbarium with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be held Tuesday, one hour prior to the service at the church.
Published in The Meridian Star from 12/27/2009 - 12/29/2009