Mr. Manuel Rawls, Jr. was born on September 30, 1931 in Anniston, Alabama to the parentage of Manuel Rawls, Sr. and Charlie Mae Rawls. He graduated from Calhoun County Training School in Hobson City, Alabama. He served his country in the United States Army for 8 years and was stationed in Korea. During his military service, he received a Korean Service Medal, two Bronze Service Stars, a United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal.

On November 6, 1951, he was united in holy matrimony with his loving and devoted wife, Mrs. Dorothy Ware Rawls, and to this union seven children were born. In 1964, he became a member of the Holy Ghost under the leadership of Pastor Elder William F. Allen. He served as a Deacon, Superintendent of the Sunday School and a member of the Trustee Board. He served faithfully until his health begin to fail.

The Lord gave him rest on February 18, 2017. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Dorothy Ware Rawls; one son, Gregory Dean Rawls; one sister, Ms. Roberta Bailey; a grandson, Darrell Westbrooks; and a son-in-law, Terry Elston.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories: two sons, Willie (JoAnn) Rawls of Anniston, Alabama and Terry (Gloriette) Rawls of Oxford, Alabama; four daughters, Doris (Harold) Westbrooks, Karen Heard, Sandra Elston, all of Oxford, Alabama and Vicki Rawls of Anniston, Alabama; nine grandchildren; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends, and a church family who loved him dearly.