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FRANKLIN – Glenn Babb Rawlings, 70, of Franklin, passed away peacefully on Jan. 11, 2023. He was born Feb. 22, 1952 and grew up in Courtland, the son of the late Robert Atlas Rawlings and Irma Babb Rawlings.

Glenn was a 1970 graduate of Southampton High School and was known for his athleticism, sense of humor and contagious laughter. He developed more friendships than can be counted and never knew a stranger. Fishing became one of his all-time favorite hobbies and he knew the rivers and all the roads in the area like the back of his hand. Everyone that knew Glenn knows he was a University of Virginia fan through and through and very much enjoyed cheering on the Cavaliers any chance he could get.  He was an honorary member of the Manry Hunt Club and member of the Hunterdale Ruritan Club.

Glenn owned and operated Rawlings Mechanical, a family business his parents opened in 1958. He met his wife, Sarah, in 1977 at the Bronco Club on the Nottoway River. The red hair was not all they seemed to have in common. Glenn liked to stay busy with fishing, working, driving the country roads, yardwork, golf and spending time with friends and his family. He was a very proud father and grandfather. He always loved hearing all the things his five grandchildren were up to and laughing at all the silly things little children do. Glenn was a great storyteller and always made others laugh while also instilling little bits of wisdom in what he was sharing.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Sarah Petty Rawlings; his daughter, Anna Rawlings Hamilton and son-in-law, Joel Hamilton; and his son, Glenn Babb Rawlings Jr. and daughter-in-law, Carrie Drake Rawlings. He was a loving Grandpa to Mackinsey Sarah Hamilton, 10, Samuel Babb Rawlings, 7, Clara Ann Hamilton, 5, Beau Drake Rawlings, 5 and Abby Reece Rawlings, 1.

In addition he is survived by a beloved aunt and uncle, Mary Katherine and John Greig; his dedicated employees at Rawlings Mechanical and more family and friends than can be named. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, Paul and Steve Rawlings.

Glenn’s family would like to thank the staff at the Davita Dialysis Center, the staff on the Skilled Care Unit of Bon Secours Hospital, Dr. Alan Edwards and his staff and Dr. McBee and his staff for all the love, care, support and encouragement they have shown Glenn and Sarah throughout Glenn’s health journey. The family also wants to extend deep gratitude to all his friends and loved ones who visited with him, sent him cards, text messages, made phone calls and were essential in keeping their spirits up. Most of all, the family is thankful for all the prayers lifting them up during this time.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Jan. 15 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home, 206 W. 4th Avenue, Franklin, VA 23851. A memorial service will be held Monday, Jan. 16, at 2 p.m. at High Street United Methodist Church, 31164 Camp Parkway, Courtland, VA 23837. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Glenn’s memory to High Street United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 218, Franklin, VA 23851 and/or the National Kidney Foundation. 

wrightfuneralhome.org