London - Augustus Wilson Rawlings Jr., passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Wilson was born on April 7, 1940, in London, Kentucky, to the late A.W. "Gus" Rawlings and Marjorie Smith Rawlings. He was the grandson of the late Dr. J.I. Smith, one of the first medical doctors in this region. His father, Gus, opened Rawlings Funeral Home in the late 1930s, and his mother, Marjorie, was a retired teacher from the London City School system. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Horn of Radcliff, Kentucky.

Wilson is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, June Parrett Rawlings. He is also lovingly remembered by his sister, Charlotte Sizemore of East Bernstadt, Kentucky. In addition to his family, Wilson leaves behind countless friends, colleagues, and community members who admired and respected him. Many looked to him as a mentor, a leader, and a steady guiding presence. Those who had the privilege of knowing him—whether through his work, his service, or his friendships—will forever cherish the memories, the laughter, and the time they shared with him. His influence reaches far beyond his home and into the heart of the community he helped shape.

A lifelong resident of London, Wilson attended Sue Bennett College Training School from 1946 to 1949; London Elementary School from 1949 to 1954; London High School from 1954 to 1958; and Sue Bennett College from 1958 to 1960. He went on to attend the Kentucky College of Mortuary Science in Louisville, KY from 1960 to 1961, earning his Kentucky funeral director and embalmer license that same year. Wilson was also in the first class of Emergency Medical Technicians at the University of Kentucky, receiving his EMT license in 1969.

Wilson began working alongside his father at Rawlings Funeral Home located on West 5th Street in 1954. When his father's health declined in 1959, Wilson essentially took over the operation of the funeral home—often running across the street to the Sue Bennett campus to attend classes and then returning to his duties at the funeral home.

In 1978, Rawlings Funeral Home merged with House Funeral Home, forming House-Rawlings Funeral Home on East 4th Street in London. Wilson served as manager of the firm until his partial retirement in 2005 and fully retired in 2012.

Deeply committed to his community, Wilson devoted countless hours to public service and civic involvement. His contributions included:

· Member of the London Fire Department since 1955, rising through the ranks to serve as fire chief from 1989 to 1994 before retiring from that position

· Co-founder of the London-Laurel County Rescue Squad in 1969, serving as a member until his retirement in 2010

· Former Lt. Colonel of the Civil Air Patrol

· Former board member of the London-Laurel County Communications (E-911) Center

· Past board member of the American Red Cross

· Selected by the London Jaycees as the Outstanding Young Man in Laurel County in 1960

· Member of the Funeral Directors Association of Kentucky, serving through the chairs and ultimately as President from 1992 to 1993 and Chairman of the Board from 1993 to 1994

· Past board member of the Funeral Directors Association of Kentucky Scholarship Board and Convention Board

· Past board member of the Kentucky Funeral Directors Burial Association

· Past member of the National Funeral Directors Association Policy Board

· Member by invitation of the National Selected Morticians and the Order of the Golden Rule

· 2023 Laurel County Homecoming Man of the Year

· Active member of Freedom Christian Fellowship Church

Wilson was honored for his remarkable 70 years of service to London, Kentucky—beginning as a firefighter at age 15 and later as the founder of the London-Laurel County Rescue Squad. He became one of the oldest active and longest-serving firefighters in the state of Kentucky.

In addition to his work in emergency services, Wilson was a respected funeral director and embalmer who compassionately served the families of Laurel County for nearly 60 years. His integrity, leadership, and forward-thinking vision made him an invaluable asset to the community. His influence helped shape Laurel County, and his legacy will continue for generations.

A funeral service honoring Wilson Rawlings was held on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of House-Rawlings Funeral Home with Jerry Lewis & Dennis Gibbs officiating. Interment followed at A.R. Dyche Memorial Park in London, Kentucky. The family entrusted House-Rawlings Funeral Home with the arrangements.