To the Editor:
Thank you for the beautiful tribute you gave our father, Sol Rawls, on the Editorial Page [“Thank you Sol,” Wednesday, Jan. 31] especially noting the humble way that Daddy lived his life — never wanting recognition for all that he did. And in that same humble way, he left specific instructions that his graveside service be private, for his immediate family, as he did not want recognition by anyone who might come to honor him for his life’s work.

Daddy wrote his own obituary and he probably would have liked it better if it just read that he was “born in Franklin” and “died in Franklin.”

He worked throughout his life to make Franklin a special place to raise his children and in these later years to try to solve many of the issues that Franklin was facing.

Along the way, he instilled a deep affection for Franklin in his children and his grandchildren.

At the service, the minister noted that our father had set an incredible example of leadership for his family and that we were following in his footsteps by serving in the communities where we now live. It is our hope that our father set an example for the citizens of Franklin as well, and that they recognize the best way to pay tribute and to honor him is to serve the Franklin community in the coming years.

Rendy Rawls Agelasto
Betsy Rawls Agelasto
S. Waite Rawls III
Patricia Peace Rawls