Mr. Aaron Coy ‘Papa’ Rawls, age 87 died at the Heritage Hospital in Tarboro on Saturday, February 7, 2009. Mr. Rawls was a native of Bertie County. He was born to the late George Perry Rawls and Ophelia Rawls. Mr. Rawls was married to the late Nancy Mitchell Rawls for many years. He moved to Scotland Neck and worked as a mechanic for Bright Morris Motors for many years, then Winfield Chevrolet, and later worked for the town of Scotland Neck. Mr. Rawls also enjoyed several years of self employment as a mechanic. Following the death of his first wife Mr. Rawls was married to Gertha White Lovegrove and they were married for thirty-seven wonderful years. After retirement he enjoyed fishing and spent many happy times on the Chowan River. Due to declining health, Mr. Rawls became a resident of the Guardian Care Nursing Home in Scotland Neck where he lived for three years. Mr. Rawls did not have biological children of his own; however he was blessed with five wonderful step children. Mr. Rawls was especially close to his granddaughter Sharon Braddy. Preceding Mr. Rawls in death other than his mother, father and first wife are his twelve brothers and sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Gertha White Rawls, one step daughter, Louise L. Braddy and her husband Mahlon all of Scotland Neck, four stepsons; Harvey Mitchell of Knightdale, Donnie Mitchell of Rocky Mount, Carlton Guill of Portland, Oregon and Billy Lovegrove also of Scotland Neck. Surviving also are twelve grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.