FRANKLIN — Sol Waite Rawls Jr., 98, died on Jan. 28, 2018, at his home, “Woods Hill,” in Franklin, Virginia.

He was a lifelong resident of the Franklin community, which he loved.
Mr. Rawls was the son of the late Sol W. Rawls and Rena Camp Rawls of Franklin. He was predeceased by his first wife, Ann Peace Rawls, in 1987; and second wife, Jean Drewry Rawls, in 2017.
He is survived by three daughters, Ann Rawls Adams and Betsy Rawls Agelasto (Peter), both of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Patricia Peace Rawls of Norfolk, Virginia (Randy Bittner;) a son, Sol Waite Rawls III (Malou) of Richmond, Virginia.; five grandchildren, Annie Adams, Hunter Adams (Michelle), Susanna Adams Dellinger (John,) Peter Agelasto IV (Sara) and Parker Agelasto (Katherine;) and three great-grandchildren, Lizzie and Catherine Adams and Kate Agelasto.
Mr. Rawls, a World War II veteran, was a graduate of the Class of 1940 at the Virginia Military Institute. He was a past president of the VMI Alumni Association and the VMI Board of Visitors. He also served as the chairman of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.
Burial will be in Poplar Springs Cemetery in Franklin. The graveside service will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. www.wrightfuneralhome.org.