Wendell Otis Rawls

Wendell Otis Rawls, 66, journeyed home to be with the Lord on June 10, 2025, after a two-year battle with cancer.

Born on March 6, 1959, in Rockledge, Florida, Wendell was the youngest child of Otis Bryant Rawls, Jr. and Catherine (Heidt) Rawls. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and his sister, Barbara Kay Staples. On June 25, 1988, he married Lisa Easton, who survives him. Also surviving are their three children: Brenna Catherine Rawls of Wailuku, Hawaii; and Robert Chancellor Rawls and Noah Bryant Rawls, both of Rockledge, Florida.

Wendell graduated from Rockledge High School in 1977 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree in Education from Berry College in 1981 and 1983, respectively. He later earned a Specialist degree in Education from Nova Southeastern University in 2000.

After completing his Master’s degree, Wendell returned to Florida and began teaching science at Palm Bay High School. He brought learning to life, using his gift for communication to transform challenging material into something that was genuinely looked forward to by his students. Wendell remained at Palm Bay High School for 39 years until his retirement in 2023.

Even greater than his love for teaching was his devotion to his family. He was a dedicated husband and father who took great joy in helping his loved ones reach their goals. In addition to spending time with his family, he enjoyed coaching, playing tennis, running, walking his dogs, and watching sports.

Shortly after marrying Lisa, Wendell became a follower of Christ. He found hope and peace in God’s promises, and as he grew older, praying for others became his mission. He was active in his church and cherished his service on the welcoming committee. Caring for his family and serving the Lord were the two most important priorities in his life.

A Celebration of Life for Wendell will be held on July 19, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home in Viera. Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to St. Francis Reflections Hospice or the Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research & Information, Inc.