Louis Morgan Rawls Jr

Louis M. Rawls Jr. (09/09/1937-01/08/2024) died at his home after an illness of several months. Born in Savannah, GA to Louis M. Rawls Sr. and Estelle Gallaher Rawls, Louis was a graduate of Savannah High School and Florida State University, He had a long career in banking that took him all over the country, with stops in Athens, GA, New York, NY, Chattanooga, TN, and Winter Park, FL before settling in Atlanta.

Louis was blessed with numerous friends and acquaintances – he knew someone at every sporting event, business, or restaurant he ever walked into. He joined Phi Delta Theta at FSU, and his fraternity brothers and his Savannah High friends would be some of his closest companions for the rest of his life. Louis also joined the Capital City Club in Atlanta, and maintained membership for almost 50 years until his death. Friendships and business relationships that began in the clubhouses at Brookhaven and Crabapple were cemented in the Men’s Grill. No problem ever went unsolved, no question went unanswered at Brookhaven’s Table of Knowledge when Louis and his friends pulled up a chair.

Louis loved golf, FSU athletics, military history, and his family. His record for rounds of golf in a year was over 100, he eagled #15 at Augusta National Golf Club with his teenage son as a playing partner, and he had a hole in one at CCC’s Crabapple course. He passed on his love of FSU football by taking both sons to games in Tallahassee, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Miami. His collection of art and books relating to the Civil War and World War II was extensive, and he was a member of the Atlanta Civil War Roundtable for a time. Above all else, though, he loved his family – especially his granddaughters. “How are the girls” was his opening to almost every phone call. Louis delighted in their athletic and academic exploits. He attended their softball and basketball games across Georgia, and followed games online faithfully when he couldn’t attend in person.

Louis is survived by his sons Tripp (Laura) and Edward (Liza) and granddaughters Caroline and Allison. His loud laugh and enthusiasm for life will be missed by friends all over the southeastern US. The next time you order a Dewars and soda, please think of Louis. Remembrances can be sent to the Phi Delta Theta Foundation in Oxford, OH (www.phideltatheta.org/donate), the Northside Youth Organization in Atlanta (PO Box 420486, Atlanta GA 30342) or the charity of your choice. As per his wishes, funeral services will be private.