A true son of Lexington County, T.H. Rawl exemplified the highest qualities of his heritage in his professional and personal life. Born in Lexington County, son of Thomas Henry and Lina Leaphart Rawl, “Tuck,” as he was known by fellow lawyers, attended Lexington public schools and graduated from the University of South Carolina and its law school.
He was admitted to the Bar in 1941, and following service as an Army Captain during World War II, entered the practice of law in Lexington with Milo Smith in the firm of Smith and Rawl. Following the death of Milo, Tuck joined with Buzz Purcell and Archie Harman in the firm of Rawl, Purcell and Harman.
For nearly half a century, Tuck served as County Attorney for Lexington County. Throughout his career, Tuck was motivated solely by a desire to help others and to improve the quality of life of his community. His intellect, his mild manner, his integrity, and his generosity with his time and resources made an impact on everyone with whom he came in contact. Other lawyers often marvelled out loud that there was no one who didn’t like and admire Tuck Rawl.
His commitment to his profession and community was exceeded only by his love and devote for his family. In 1941, Tuck married Helen Callison, also of Lexington County. Their children, Susan Daniel, Thomas Henry Rawl III, Dr. John Rawl and Dr. Richard Rawl, and their eight grandchildren were the center of Helen and Tuck’s rich life together. A churchman, a civic leader, a devoted family man and an excellent lawyer, Tuck Rawl brought honor to his family, his community and to the legal profession.