RAWLINGS, Jerry Lee

Owens Livingston Mortuary, Show Low, Arizona Jerry Lee Rawlings December 6, 1929 - February 10, 2015 Jerry Lee Rawlings died early in the morning of Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at the Haven of Show Low in Show Low, Arizona following a lengthy illness. He was 85 years old. Jerry was born on Friday, December 6, 1929 in Flint, Genesee County, Michigan to his parents, the late Ira Bill and Willa Grace (Shannon) Rawlings. In 1932, as a young boy, his family moved to Phoenix, Arizona from his native Michigan. When he was in the 4th grade (or there about), the Rawlings Family moved to Kingman, Arizona. He was a member of Kingman High School's Class of 1947. Jerry knew, early in life, the importance of having a good education. Following his high school graduation, he attended the University of Arizona in Tucson and later went on to study at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. Finally, he was able to graduate with the degree of Bachelor of Accountancy from Arizona State University in Tempe. On August 27, 1950, Jerry married the love of his life, Gloria Anna Grantham in Kingman, Arizona. Together, they shared a life full of trials, adventures, love and support. While still a young man, Jerry taught himself how to fly planes at the Kingman Air Force Base. Flying was a pastime that Jerry enjoyed for many years and, with his piloting skills, he was able to help his parents and grandparents as they built the Sho Lo Theatre in Show Low. He personally flew most of the materials used for the theater's construction from an old barracks at the air force base in Kingman to Show Low. Once the Sho Lo Theatre opened, he and Gloria were able to manage it from 1951 through 1960. Also, during this time, Jerry opened up his own accounting practice right next door to the theater and was able to keep the books for many of the old time families of the White Mountain area. After 9 years of running the Sho Lo Theatre, Jerry began to dabble in real estate and became a realtor in the White Mountain area. By the sweat of his brow, Jerry knew the value of hard work. During the 1950s, Jerry dug the pond that is located at Solterra Senior Living in Lakeside. Later, from 1965 until 1969, Jerry partnered with Cecil Baldwin and Jim McCarty in the construction business. On June 26, 1969, Jerry's life was forever changed when he was involved in an accident while laying pipeline on Mt. Lemon, outside of Tucson, resulting in the loss of his right leg. In his younger years, Jerry loved "playing" in the great out-of-doors. He enjoyed golfing with his friends and also enjoyed taking his young kids waterskiing. He was a skilled hunter and always appreciated a quiet day on the lake, fishing. Flying had always been a favorite way to spend his free time. After losing his leg, he found new ways to spend his spare time. He became an excellent Poker player. He loved a good game of Poker and even won a dog named Booger from Joe Baird during a game. Also, he spent many an evening, playing Skip Bo, Bridge and other boardgames. Jerry was blessed with a great sense of community and was involved with many of the area's fraternal organizations. He was a member of the Show Low Elks Lodge and even served as one of its Exalted Rulers for a term. Too, Jerry was a member of the Show Low Masonic Lodge and served in various capacities within the lodge. Jerry able to serve as a councilman for Show Low's first City Council. He truly was a well loved member of his community and was worthy of everyone's concern. His warm smile and gentle ways will be missed by all Jerry is survived by his 3 children: Linda (Jim) Morrow of Lakeside, Arizona, Bill (Trudy) Rawlings of Lakeside, Arizona, Lori (Barry) Platts of Gilbert, Arizona; 12 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. Along with his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria on February 2, 2012. He missed her a great deal and his family is comforted in knowing that they have been re-united once again. The funeral service will begin 2:00 P.M., Sunday, February 15, 2015, at Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street in Show Low, Arizona. The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at the Show Low Cemetery.