John William Rawls Sr., age 86, of Gloucester, died Oct. 15, 2012 at Walter Reed Convalescent Center.

John was retired from Newport News Shipbuilding as an Engineer and a member of First Presbyterian Church, Gloucester, where he was a member of the Men’s Sunday School Class and the Wednesday morning prayer breakfast.

John enjoyed many hobbies, gardening, golf, and woodworking, carving a variety of birds. He also made more than 300 hats for newborn babies and donated them to the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters.

John loved a challenge and was a great problem-solver. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather who was devoted to his family. He was a man of integrity and compassion who touched and inspired many. He will be missed.

He is survived by wife, Jeanne K. Rawls; son, John W. Rawls Jr. and wife Jackie; daughters, Deborah Carpenter and husband Al, and Claudia Dale and husband Ralph; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother, Marion Rawls and wife Doris; and sister, Dorothy Mallard and husband Edgar.

Funeral services conducted by the Rev. Douglas Nagel will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, at First Presbyterian Church, Gloucester. Interment will be in Peninsula Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Friday, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the church.

In John’s memory, contributions may be given to the American Heart Association, c/o Mrs. Joanne Gallagher, P.O. Box 43, Ware Neck, Va. 23178.

Arrangements by Hogg Funeral Home and Crematory, Gloucester Point.