Celebrating the life of
Lt. Col. Gerald Cowart
August 30, 1929 - January 11, 2012
Lt. Col. Gerald Cowart
Our father, Lt. Col. Gerald Cowart, 82, died peacefully among family on January 11, 2012. Born in Twin City, Georgia, August 1929, he was the second eldest of 8 sons of Sarah Hall Cowart & Harry Quinton Cowart. In November of 1941 at the young age of 10, his father was tragically killed in an automobile accident. His mother and her 8 Boys, with the help from family, friends and neighbors, held together and flourished on the family farm. He graduated from Emanuel County Institute, High School. The first of his brothers to go to college, he attended Abraham and Baldwin Agricultural College on a two year 4 H scholarship, he finished his degree at the University of Georgia in Agricultural Science. In October of 1951, he joined the US Army. In his 20-year military career, he rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel in the Army Security Agency, having served honorably in both Korea and in Vietnam. After retiring to Savannah in 1971 he formed Century 21 Cowart Realty, working side by side with his wife Katherine for another 25 years before they retired for a second time.
He was an avid bridge player and loved a good game of double pinochle. He was a member of the Bacon Park Seniors Golf Blitz. He enjoyed hunting and fishing especially with his brothers. But, his favorite past time was simply spending time with his very close knit family.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Katherine Tambolleo Cowart of Clinton, Massachusetts; his parents, Harry Quinton & Sarah Hall Cowart; and his brothers, Erwin and Jimmy Cowart.
He is survived by sons, Gerald D. Cowart Sally and Quintin L. Cowart Joan; daughters, Nancy C. Evans George and Paula C. Sandlin James; brothers, Gene, Wiley, Bill, Joe & John Cowart; ten grandchildren, Olivia, Sam, Clark, Katie, Jane, Betsy, Emily, Emma Katherine, Jake and David.
Remembrances can be made to the Sarah Hall Cowart Student Leadership Fund, www.architecturefoundationofgeorgia.org and to Hebron Cemetery Fund, 301 Friendship Church Road, Twin City, Georgia 30471.
Visitation will be at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel on Friday, January 13, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 14, 2012 at Hebron Primitive Baptist Church in Garfield, Georgia. The family will be receiving friends one hour prior to the service.
Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery beside his beloved Katherine.
Twice he saved the life of a fellow man, once on the farm at age 12 and once in Vietnam. But, he insisted he was not a hero. "I was only doing what had to be done". How proud he was to be an American and how proud he was of his family. He was a true Southern Gentleman of the First Order.
I worked with Gerald and Kathy many years ago at Konter Realty. They were both lovely people. I know you have many good memories of your parents. It is my wish for you thst the good memories give you solace in the midst of your sorrow. Linda
- Linda Tillinger, SAVANNAH, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Evans/Cowart family. To Mrs. Evans; we are so very sorry for your loss, but know he is in good company now. Olivia we love you very much and know your grandfather is extremely proud of the person you have become. Blessings to you all...
- Joe and Morgan Teichert, Jacksonville, FL
What a great guy. I know he will be missed greatly. I am a better man having known Mr. Cowart. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you... Steve and JoBeth Fuller
- Steve Fuller, savannah, GA
I knew your parents for 25 years and always looked up to Gerald. He was a strong guy both physically and in character. The high standards he set for your family while you were growing up is his legacy. He may be gone but he lives on in all of you. God Bless your family, I will miss your dad like I still miss your mom. Larry Schmitz
- larry schmitz, savannah, GA
Thinking of you all at this time, I'm sure Gerald is smiling down on his beautiful family.
- Ann Evans, Statesboro, GA
Dear Cowart Family, We are so sorry to hear this news. Mr. Cowart always was welcoming and showed interest in what we, friends of his children, were doing. He was truly one of the greats. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. Love, Hunter, Therese, Helen, Natalie & Will Clemens
- The Hunter Clemens Family, Kensington, MD
may god bless the intire family at this most difficult time. we love you.
- larry and carolyn hall, twin city, GA
MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE COWARTS. SO MANY MEMORIES,BACK WHEN. MR. COWART WAS A MAN OF UNSURPASSED INTEGRITY,ALWAYS EAGER TO LEARN.HE HAD THAT ORDER OF DISCIPLINE,WHICH COULD QUICKLY RUB OFF ON ONESELF.HE NEVER FORGOT HIS FAMILY 'ROOTS'! GREG
- GREG O'NEAL, savannah, GA
Dear Katie, My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your grandfather. I hope the memories you have of him will bring you comfort during this difficult time. God bless you Tammy
- Tammy Slay, Gainesville, GA
Sorry for your loss Gerry and Sally. May time and good memories give you comfort... love, John and Liz
- John & Elizabeth Dugger, Richmond Hill, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I know he will be greatly missed. Our family is thinking of you.
- Leslie Platock, atlantic beach, FL
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I thought the world of your dad. He will be missed dearly. I am very fortunate to have been able to sit and talk with him many times and it's those times that I will remember. love to all, The Javetz's
- Jay and Lynn Javetz, savannah, GA
You Will Be Missed Uncle Gerald I Love You Your Niece, Patricia Cowart Hartley
- Patricia Lynn Cowart Hartley, Montgomery,, AL
You were such an amazing man. The best grandpa I could ever wish for. I will miss you so much. Now I have you both to always watch over me. <3 you so much
- Emily, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Your dad was a wonderful man to have such wonderful children. He and your mom live on in your hearts, memories and family tradititions. With love from the Gilker's
- Mary & Paul Gilker, Tybee Island, GA
I worked with Gerald and Kathy many years ago at Konter Realty. They were both lovely people. I know you have many good memories of your parents. It is my wish for you thst the good memories give you solace in the midst of your sorrow. Linda
- Linda Tillinger, SAVANNAH, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Evans/Cowart family. To Mrs. Evans; we are so very sorry for your loss, but know he is in good company now. Olivia we love you very much and know your grandfather is extremely proud of the person you have become. Blessings to you all...
- Joe and Morgan Teichert, Jacksonville, FL
What a great guy. I know he will be missed greatly. I am a better man having known Mr. Cowart. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you... Steve and JoBeth Fuller
- Steve Fuller, savannah, GA
I knew your parents for 25 years and always looked up to Gerald. He was a strong guy both physically and in character. The high standards he set for your family while you were growing up is his legacy. He may be gone but he lives on in all of you. God Bless your family, I will miss your dad like I still miss your mom. Larry Schmitz
- larry schmitz, savannah, GA
Thinking of you all at this time, I'm sure Gerald is smiling down on his beautiful family.
- Ann Evans, Statesboro, GA
Dear Cowart Family, We are so sorry to hear this news. Mr. Cowart always was welcoming and showed interest in what we, friends of his children, were doing. He was truly one of the greats. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. Love, Hunter, Therese, Helen, Natalie & Will Clemens
- The Hunter Clemens Family, Kensington, MD
may god bless the intire family at this most difficult time. we love you.
- larry and carolyn hall, twin city, GA
MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE COWARTS. SO MANY MEMORIES,BACK WHEN. MR. COWART WAS A MAN OF UNSURPASSED INTEGRITY,ALWAYS EAGER TO LEARN.HE HAD THAT ORDER OF DISCIPLINE,WHICH COULD QUICKLY RUB OFF ON ONESELF.HE NEVER FORGOT HIS FAMILY 'ROOTS'! GREG
- GREG O'NEAL, savannah, GA
Dear Katie, My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your grandfather. I hope the memories you have of him will bring you comfort during this difficult time. God bless you Tammy
- Tammy Slay, Gainesville, GA
Sorry for your loss Gerry and Sally. May time and good memories give you comfort... love, John and Liz
- John & Elizabeth Dugger, Richmond Hill, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I know he will be greatly missed. Our family is thinking of you.
- Leslie Platock, atlantic beach, FL
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I thought the world of your dad. He will be missed dearly. I am very fortunate to have been able to sit and talk with him many times and it's those times that I will remember. love to all, The Javetz's
- Jay and Lynn Javetz, savannah, GA
You Will Be Missed Uncle Gerald I Love You Your Niece, Patricia Cowart Hartley
- Patricia Lynn Cowart Hartley, Montgomery,, AL
You were such an amazing man. The best grandpa I could ever wish for. I will miss you so much. Now I have you both to always watch over me. <3 you so much
- Emily, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Your dad was a wonderful man to have such wonderful children. He and your mom live on in your hearts, memories and family tradititions. With love from the Gilker's
- Mary & Paul Gilker, Tybee Island, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
