Sidney Nehemiah Rawls Sr. of 6302 Leafwood Road went to be with the Lord Monday morning, January 16, 2006, in Obici Memorial Hospital. He was born November 11, 1929. He was preceded in death by his parents Soloman C. and Irene Holland Rawls and siblings Eleanor, Hazel and Curtis.

He attended Carrsville Elementary School and graduated from Nansemond County Training School (Southwestern) class of 1948. Sidney also attended St. Paul’s College until he was drafted to the U.S. Army in August 1951. His service ended in 1953.

Sidney worked at the Norfolk Naval Base and later became self-employed as a professional contractor until he retired.

Sidney was a member of the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Suffolk, Va. He faithfully served as First Superintendent to the Sunday school, a member of Bible Class No.2, and the Men’s Ministry.

He was also a missionary and served on the Nansemond Isle of Wight Sunday school Union Executive Board until his death.

He was the Past Master of the Holland Masonic Lodge No. 256 F & AM (PHA); Mount Mariah Chapter No. 9 Holy Royal Arch Mason; Antioch Commentary No.9 32nd Degree; Arabia Temple No. 12 A&A ON-MS Shriners; Greater Elk Lodge No. 206; Past Worthy Patron of Holland Chapter No. 162 Order of the Eastern Star PHA; The American Legion Post No. 315; past President and member of the Holland Holy Neck Civic League; past member of Suffolk Branch of the NAACP; a past Commander of the Suffolk Chapter No. 5 of the Disabled Veterans and a member of the Suffolk Democratic Party.

He leaves to mourn his loss: his lovely and caring wife, Doris B. Rawls; his six lovely children, Lydia Bailey (William), Eldon (Marilyn), Kenny of Suffolk, Irene Harrison of Lawrenceville, Sidney Jr. (Alesia) of Franklin and Soloman Teralle (Janine) of Chesapeake; three sisters, Lelear R. Woodson and Arminta O. Rawls of Suffolk, Mildred R. Darden of Upper Marlboro, Md.; nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren, one aunt Mrs. Lena H. Morgan; three sisters-in-law, Freddie Adkins, Annie L. Rawls, Gladolia Blizzard, three brothers-in-law, Luther and Patrick Blizzard, O.G. Baker Sr. a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Suffolk, by the Rev. Dr. J.H Goode. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The body will be placed in the church at 9 a.m. Professional services entrusted to Peebles Funeral Home.