Donovan Boyd Rawlings Sr's Obituary
Donovan Boyd Rawlings, Sr., of Sebring, Florida, passed away May 12th at his home lovingly surrounded by his family. He was born July 1, 1932 to Nelson and Thelma Rawlings in Quantico, Virginia. Although originally from Quantico, Donovan lived in the Fredericksburg, VA area and worked on the United States Marine Corps base in Quantico for 44 years. After his service in Quantico, he lived in Virginia’s Northern Neck region before resettling to Sebring, Florida.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Alice L. Rawlings, His Children from his first marriage to Beverly Turney Rawlings; Donovan Rawlings Jr of Rock Springs, WY, Sharon Kendall and Teri R Reece both of Fredericksburg, VA.
Donovan served in the Marine Corps for four years and was honorably discharged in 1952. He subsequently worked on the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, VA for 44 years, eventually rising to the position as Head of Civilian Manpower. He attended the University of Virginia. Throughout his life, Donovan loved his time and association with the United States Marine Corps. He revered and cherished this and never forgot his honor of being a part of what he considered ‘such an outstanding organization’.
His many interests and accomplishments include being President of the Fredericksburg Jaycees, a valuable and contributing member of the Fredericksburg Elks and Montross Moose Lodges, and Sebring VFW. He was Head Referee for local High School and Semi-Pro football games, a left-handed pitcher for the National Bank of Fredericksburg’s Virginia State Championship softball team, A leader in the Boy Scouts of America, leading a troop on a memorable trip to Philmont Scout Reservation in Northern New Mexico.
He was an avid and very accomplished fisherman, hunter, and golfer. He also loved growing oysters from his waterfront home when he resided in Virginia’s Northern Neck. He loved travelling to other countries and he enjoyed cruises, especially the river cruises in France, Germany, and in the United States.
In addition to his children from his first marriage, he is survived by his Stepchildren; Juana Meyers (Bill) of Pensacola, FL, and Kimber Bannon (Tony) of Oklahoma City, OK. His Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren were a great joy to him; Sarah Polchinski (David), Tyler (Tara) and Morgan Reece, Justin Ward (Lauren), and his Great Grandchildren; Emily, Annabelle, Donovan Joseph, Axel, Kash, Everly, and Justice. His Step-Grandchildren are Joey Graham (Crystal), Jamie Hilt (Ben), and Megan Malyszka, and his Great Grand Stepchildren; Anya, Joaquin, and Shakura.
A Memorial Service was held at the Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Sebring, FL Saturday, May 21st at 11:00 AM. Contributions of any kind should be given to the Charities of the giver’s choice.
Donovan Boyd Rawlings, Sr. will be interred in Quantico National Cemetery at a later date.
His Family, and especially his Children, and his friends, will miss the Father and man he became.
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