SUFFOLK—Vernon Lee “Big Moose” Rawles, 80, of the 2200 block of Hosier Road, died May 31, 2008, in Sentara Obici Hospital, after a short illness.

Mr. Rawles was a native of Nansemond County. He was the son of the late Richard and Molly Rawles.

He retired from Norfolk Naval Shipyard after 24 years of service.

He was a member of Zion United Church of Christ and its choir, former trustee and Sunday school and served on various committees.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy S. Rawles; one foster daughter, Mildred Johnson of Suffolk; two sons, Michael V. Rawles of Suffolk and Milton R. Rawles of Virginia Beach; one foster sister, Elizabeth Scott of Virginia Beach; two foster brothers, Ralph Bernard Boone of Franklin and Willie A. Thorpe of Suffolk; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; six nieces; four nephews; and a host of great-nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday in Zion United Church of Christ, the Rev. Joseph M. Copeland, eulogist; the Rev. Jessie L. Lassiter, interim pastor.

Burial will follow in Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.

He will be taken to the church at 11 a.m. the day of service. Family and friends will assemble at the residence one hour prior to service.

Wyatt & Sons Funeral Home Inc., Suffolk, is handling arrangements.

Condolences may be shared with the family at wyattandsons@charter.net