Gabe Rawson

Mr. Gabe Rawson, 94, of Meridian, passed away September 4, 2020.

Services will be held Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at James F. Webb Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 2-3 p.m., with service to follow in the James F. Webb Chapel. Burial will be at Hebron Baptist Church Cemetery.Bro. Richard (Doc) Wallace and Bro. Tommy Jones will be officiating.

Gabe is survived by his four children, Steve (Julie), Debbie (Ted), Randy, and Tim (Sharla); grandchildren, Jennifer Toogood, Jeff Rawson, Josh Rawson (Margaret), Chris Rutledge (Anna), Brandon Rutledge (Katie), Rachel Landry (Colt), Casey Rawson, Gabriel Rawson, Alesha Bailey (Richie), David Rawson (Paige), Jonathan Rawson (Paige); great-grandchildren, Audrey and Graham Toogood, Jane, Julia, and Joni Rawson, Helena Rutledge, Quest and Jett Landry, Carter Rawson, Sam and Noah Bailey, Rhett and Harley Rawson, Colin, Sarah, and Emma Rawson, and his precious friend and caretaker Tina Herrod.

Rawson graduated from Vimville in 1943, then joined the navy and served for 2 years. He worked at Western Union and later Greater Mississippi Life, until beginning at EMEPA. He retired in 1985.

Gabe played basketball at Vimville High School and later at Meridian Community College and Mississippi State University. After retiring, he became an avid runner. It was not unusual for him to run 75 miles a week. Gabe ran 5ks, 10ks, and half-marathons any chance he could get for over 20 years. He also competed in the senior olympics and was chosen to carry the torch at the first state games held in Meridian.

Gabe was a deacon and Sunday school teacher for many years at Carmel Baptist Church and later at Hebron Baptist Church. He loved his wife Rachel, of 67 years,children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren. He was best known as "Pappaw Gabe" and loved by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rachel; parents, Ranie and Maggie Rawson; sisters, Lila McNeil and Dorothy Miller, and great-granddaughter, Madelyn Rae Rawson.