Pete Earl Rawls
July 28, 1955 – March 7, 2021
Pete Earl Rawls of Huntingtown, MD passed away at his home on March 7, 2021 surrounded by his loved ones. Pete leaves behind his loving soulmate Donna Marie Durkin, his beloved daughter Jessica Durkin Freeburger and her husband Kevin, and his true pride and joy – granddaughters Piper and Bristol. Born in Washington, D.C. on July 28, 1955, Pete grew up in P.G. County, MD, graduating from Frederick Douglass Sr. High in 1973. He served in the United States Air Force stationed at Nellis Air Force Base and was honorably discharged. As an airplane mechanic, he cherished this time serving his country at the “Home of the Thunderbirds.” Trained as a heavy equipment operator, he worked for many years in the trade primarily installing sewer and water pipe. Working for several companies in a supervising capacity, many of the men in his crew would attest that the term “supervisor” did not set well with Pete. He genuinely preferred to be down in the ditch laying the sewer or water pipe as opposed to standing, clipboard in hand, supervising. In the 1980’s, Pete put his artistic talents to use starting his own small business, “Signs by Pete” in Huntingtown, revitalizing it in the 2000’s. Hand-lettering work trucks and signage for many a Southern Maryland business, he was also sought out by local racecar enthusiasts for his unique lettering style. Many a local boat owner had their watercraft lettered by him. Huntingtown VFD had Pete letter some of their equipment and quite a few firefighters dropped by Pete’s shop to have their helmets personalized. His work lives on in the county on many a truck, boat, or custom family home sign. When Dale Earnhardt passed away in February 2001, he painted the iconic signature logo “3” on the old tobacco barn which stands on his Huntingtown property. Stories of his heartfelt tribute made the front page of The Calvert Recorder, The Calvert Independent, as well as the Sunday Southern Maryland section of the Washington Post. Ten years after, a stroke sadly brought his hand-lettering career to an end, coupled with the increased popularity of vinyl stick-on lettering and wraps. With the birth of his granddaughter Piper in 2012, Pete’s entire focus shifted to his “beautiful granddaughter.” The gruff, bearded, tattooed Granddad accompanied by little Piper became an inseparable pair. They enjoyed their local outings to the SunTrust Bank in Prince Frederick and endeared themselves to the friendly staff. The same went for their excursions to the Prince Frederick Giant, Wal-Mart, and Sweet Frog. He became a beloved presence on the Hallowing Point Park soccer field when Piper started playing and never missed a game. He also leaves behind a daughter, Tiffany Rawls of Woodbridge, VA, and a grandson William “CJ” Lee of Chester, MD. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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Such an amazing man. So thankful for the years we had with him. Our hearts are broken but he’ll live on in my heart for the rest of my life. He taught me so much and I’ll make sure I pass it on to my girls. Missing hearing that voice every morning but when I close my eyes I can still hear him. I love you Dad.
I am so sad to hear of Pete’s passing. The memories flood me of our teenage years in Marlboro Meadows with all of the Rawls Family. I learned so much from you as a youngster and you always had my back. See on the return my brother.
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Such an amazing man. So thankful for the years we had with him. Our hearts are broken but he’ll live on in my heart for the rest of my life. He taught me so much and I’ll make sure I pass it on to my girls. Missing hearing that voice every morning but when I close my eyes I can still hear him. I love you Dad.
I am so sad to hear of Pete’s passing. The memories flood me of our teenage years in Marlboro Meadows with all of the Rawls Family. I learned so much from you as a youngster and you always had my back. See on the return my brother.
Dad i miss u so so much.I think about the stuff we use to do funny,crying,fighting.Dad i love u more then anybody in the world.Dad i will see u when im dead.I LOVE YOU,I MISS U