Tom Rawls Honored by St. Paul’s UMM

By FRAN FARRER

NEWTON, NC - Sunday, August 19, 2018, the United Methodist Men of St. Paul United Methodist Church celebrated Men’s Day by surprisingly honoring longtime member and former Board of Trustees Chair, Tom Rawls during the 10am worship service.

St. Paul’s pastor, Rev. Willetta Ar-Rahmaan assisted the AV and Praise Teams in setting the stage for a great spirit-filled surprise and a dynamic and timely message by visiting minister Rev. Carl Kenney.

While sharing Rawls’ accolades, United Methodist Men’s President, Marshall Pratt was joined by members Sharon Anthony and Marshall Coulter. Coulter, who followed Rawls as chair of the Board of Trustees shared that Rawls helped him to understand why the position was so important; he then realized it was his responsibility to make sure the church was physically fit. Anthony shared her enjoyment of attending church with Rawls over the years, and said she was appreciative that he allowed her to work with him at the funeral home. Bobby Coulter assisted in gifting Rawls and continuously chuckled at his being surprised.

Rawls’ niece, Rev. Cassandra Rawls and his cousin Francetta also shared words of adoration.

Tom Rawls has never been a man of many words and the honor truly took him by surprise. Many of his friends and associates were secretly invited yet he only thought they were coming to enjoy Men’s Day.

During his brief remarks, Rawls acknowledge his personal friend and the lady that cared for him, Mrs. Glenda Kennedy.

The service and celebration was followed with the sharing of a delectable meal in the fellowship hall.

Professionally, Rawls has been the proprietor of Tom Rawls Funeral Service in downtown Newton for almost 9 years and occasionally employs between 5-9 part-time employees.