William Edward Rawlings III

William Edward Rawlings III, 87, of Colonial Heights passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Born November 14, 1937, he was the son of the late Charlotte Baxter and William Edward Rawlings, Jr., and was also preceded in death by his first wife, Phyllis Edwards Rawlings, mother of their children, Tommy and Janice.

Bill earned his B.S. in Elementary Education from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Master of Education from Virginia State University, and later a Master of Divinity from Duke University. He dedicated many years to teaching mathematics at Colonial Heights Middle School, where he impacted the lives of countless students.

Bill served faithfully as Associate Pastor at Highland United Methodist Church. Outside of his professional life, Bill was an active member of his community. He served with the Petersburg Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club of Colonial Heights and was a proud member of POGO, where he found fellowship and joy among friends.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Jean Rawlings; son, James Hobson; daughter, Kim R. Toxey; three grandchildren, Christopher Hobson and wife, Sydney, Jacob Hobson, Kaitlin Toxey; and many special cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Highland United Methodist Church, 125 E Westover Ave Colonial Heights, VA 23834. Interment will take place in Blandford Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Highland United Methodist Church. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.