Obituaries
William Wright Rawlings
William Wright Rawlings (Bill)September 2, 1947 – June 29, 2026, Bill Rawlings brokered his final deal on Monday, June 29, surrounded by his children, Jared Rawlings & Jadrian Rawlings Verheeck. He was 78 years old.
When asked whether he wanted his obituary to be funny or serious, Bill’s answer was classic: “A little funny, a little serious, and a little I could give a crap—I’m not gonna read it.” So we’ll do our best.
Bill lived a remarkable life filled with adventures, hard work, and stories that got better with each telling. In his youth, he competed for state wrestling championships, helped build the Solitude Trail, and fought wildfires in the Big Horn Mountains.
College took him to Idaho; military service took him to Germany but Sheridan was always home for him. He loved this community and his family fiercely. He kept up with City Council meetings, rarely missed Sheridan Media, and was always interested in what was happening around town. Sheridan gave Bill a lifetime of opportunity. In return, he spent his life giving back through his work, his community service, and his commitment to the town he loved.
If you were lucky enough to sit across the desk from Bill at ERA Carroll Realty, you probably heard a few of those stories—maybe once, maybe a hundred times. For more than 50 years, that desk was where Bill built not only a successful real estate career, but lasting friendships and an enduring reputation. Working alongside many of Sheridan’s most respected developers and community leaders, he helped shape the Sheridan we know today. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Bill was one of the people who helped shape this town.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents – Byron B. Rawlings and Beverly J. Rawlings and sister Cindy Rawlings (Mark). He is survived by his sisters – Connie Rawlings-Dritsas, Estacada, OR & Teena Rawlings Kryzanowski (Brian) of Cave Creek, AZ; his children, Jared Rawlings, Sheridan, WY; and Jadrian Verheeck (Mike), and two beloved grandchildren (Amelia and Eliza) Newton, New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Big Horn Trail Coalition. It is an organization Bill had an interest in and believed deserves community support.
He lived a good, full life! Bill would remind us — life is meant to be lived, stop and smell the roses and share all the stories!
Online condolences may be written at https://www.kanefuneral.com/. Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.
Erma Luxmoore
July 1, 2026 at 11:40 am
So very sorry to hear of Bill‘s passing, he and Charlie were good friends and he also was our close neighbor. I’m sure he will be missed by many my deepest condolences to the family.
Julie Terry Gerlach
July 1, 2026 at 4:04 pm
Deepest condolences to the Rawlins family. They broke the mold with Bill. I often asked advice from Bill over the past 45 years and I always found it to be pertinent, timely and even when he was in his early 30’s wise beyond his years, relative to business and real estate. He truly was a big player in building the Sheridan we know today. I will miss him circling his latest “project” in the evenings checking out new construction.
Jim Adams
July 1, 2026 at 7:45 pm
I knew Bill for many years. Him and Paul Hando had many adventures together. Here is to many more.
John F. Arambel
July 4, 2026 at 9:30 am
Bill was the first person I met when I moved to Sheridan. The year was 1995. He was the real estate broker that showed me Sheridan County. We became friends from the first day I rode with him in his Cadillac. We remained friends from that day on. What a treasure for Sheridan to lose. He will be missed by many.