January 1, 1952 – January 28, 2018
Fallbrook, CA
Ray Rawlins passed away at home surrounded by family on January 28, 2018. Ray was a lifelong resident of San Diego living in and working throughout the county.
Ray was a 31 year veteran of local law enforcement having worked in the San Diego Harbor Police Department (1974-1978) and in the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department (1978-2006), where he retired with the rank of Lieutenant. Ray was proud to have served in both departments, and his hard work and dedication was recognized with a Medal of Merit for Exemplary Service (2000), Departmental Letter of Appreciation for Exemplary Service (2001) and numerous Letters of Commendation or Recognition (1998, 1997, 1996, 1987 (x2) & 1983).
Upon retiring from the Sheriff’s Department, Ray went on to become the Dean of the Criminal Justice Program at the University of Phoenix San Diego. He was an ardent champion of education and spent years pursuing his own educational goals; ultimately obtaining a Master’s degree in Management of Information Systems. In addition, he encouraged and guided loved ones in their educational endeavors and was a volunteer and supporter of Computers 2 San Diego Kids; a charity that provides school kids the technology they need to enhance their education.
He was the center around which his family gathered; always there to lend a helping hand, an ear to listen, or a shoulder to lean on and was often sought out to offer a fresh perspective and share sage advice. He loved celebrations of all kinds and was most happy cheering on his favorite football teams or tending his BBQ with a nice scotch in hand, music playing and a house filled with people. Once fully retired, Ray enjoyed traveling, particularly ocean cruising, visiting local wineries and casinos, and hosting friends and family at his home in Fallbrook with his wife Lupe and their canine companions Rawley and Buddy.
Ray is preceded in death by his parents Frances Jarrett and Billy Rhea Rawlins, his brother Billy Charles Rawlins and his wife Wanda Rawlins. Ray is survived by his loving and devoted wife Lupe Rawlins; siblings Carl Rawlins, Sherryl Rawlins, Valerie Pettegrew and Bobby Rawlins; children Daniel Rawlins, Adam Rawlins, Laura Bolejack, Janine Richard and Michael Lopez; and his most cherished loved ones, his grandchildren Niko, Anja, Jordan, Charlie, Seth, Olivia, Abel and Willow.
A memorial service for Ray will be held on Sunday, February 11, 2018, at 11:00am at El Camino Memorial Park – Sorrento Valley Chapel, located at 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd., San Diego, CA 92121
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memoriam to the American Cancer Society or to Computers 2 San Diego Kids (C2SDK).
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