George W. Rawding Jr.

George W. Rawding Jr., passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at the Bayhealth-Sussex Campus, he was 78.  He was born in Felton, DE to the late, George W. Sr. and Alice C. Rawding.

Mr. Rawding served his country proudly in the Army National Guard, first as active duty then as a reservist and civil servant.  He earned the rank of Staff Sergeant.  Before he started his civil servant career he worked for Playtex for a short time, became a self employed truck driver, worked for Burris Foods, and eventually retired and moved to Kane, PA.  Not content to stay still, he owned and operated a motel while in Kane for 13 years at which time he moved back to Delaware.

In his younger days, Mr. Rawding played drums in a band with family and friends, and liked to go camping.  He loved working with wood and could make anything.  Fishing was a favorite hobby, as well as working in his garden, flower beds, bird watching, and cooking.  He also enjoyed helping his first wife Patricia and their friend Betty Starkey with her catering business.

Although quiet and reserved, when he did speak, it was purposeful and worthwhile to hear.  He made friends easily, which was very apparent running his motel and meeting new people.  He enjoyed going for Sunday drives in the mountains of PA and looking at the scenery.  Family was always a priority, and he loved spending time with the grandchildren more than anything.  He will be sorely missed. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia L. Rawding; brother, Harry Rawding; sister, Ellen Smith; and son in law Stephen Guerke.

He is survived by his wife, Denise Rawding; brother, LeRoy Rawding (Gloria); daughters, Dianne Rager (Pete), Annette Guerke, Roni Rawding (Kyle Elborne); step children, Calvin Grevis (Jamie), Jaimee Lewis (Jacob), Barbara Mann (Jered) , Rebecca Ellingsworth (Jason); grandchildren, Eric Rager, Joshua Rager, Theresa Rose (Chad), Keith Rose (Abigail); great grandchild, Kyleen Harrison; numerous step grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

A Celebration of Life will be on Monday, August 28, 2023, at the Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Hwy., Harrington, DE, at 1:00 PM.  A public visitation will be held starting at 12:00 noon.  Interment will be at Barratts Chapel Cemetery, Frederica. 

Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, please visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to express or send condolences.

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