Franklin - Lynn Orval "RayJay" Rothwell, 74, of the 100 block of Rawlsdale Road died June 6, 2014 at Sentara Obici Hospital. He was born in Roanoke, Virginia to the late Lyndon Mantiply and Callie Merle Amburn Rothwell. He was a 1958 graduate of Virginia Beach High School. He was a tire salesman for the Firestone Tire Company for 15 years and a freight broker for Bonney and Colonial Freight Systems. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer III in the Virginia Army National Guard after 32 years of service. He was a faithful member of High Street United Methodist Church for 38 years. Lynn was also a member of the American Legion Post 71, Franklin Masonic Lodge #151 and the Khedive Shrine Temple in Chesapeake, VA.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years Patricia Whalen Rothwell of Franklin. His daughter Natalie Oliver Padgett and her husband Lee of Hardeeville, SC. His son Thomas Ian Rothwell and his wife Amy Wilson Rothwell of Winterville, NC. Two granddaughters Kayley Oliver Hudson and her husband Justin and Riley Margaret Oliver all of Beaufort, SC and four grandsons Michael-John Thomas Oliver of Franklin and Nicholas Chance, Christian Shane, and Connor Bryce Rothwell all of Winterville, NC, a brother Gary Rothwell of Newport News, VA, a sister Denise Rothwell of Hayes, VA, a sister in law Cynthia Kressin and her family of Janesville, IA, one great-granddaughter Evelyn Patricia Hudson of Beaufort, SC and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents Lynn was predeceased by a son in law John Edward Oliver.


A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 10 at 11:00 AM at High Street United Methodist Church with Masonic Rites and Military Honors. Rev John Ashley is officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the memorial service at the church. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or High Street United Methodist Church Pastor's Fund.