PELL CITY, Ala. — Joe Ernest Cowart, 91, passed away Thursday, March 22, 2018, at the Veteran’s Home in Pell City, Ala. Joe was born April 5, 1926 to Ernest and Ruth (Taylor) Cowart in Lanett, Ala., the oldest of four children. Joe served in the Navy in WWII. He then attended Auburn University graduating in 1950. He married Edith Christine Lester in 1953 in LaGrange, Ga. They lived on St. Simon’s Island for a few years then moved to Jacksonville, Fla. in 1960. Joe worked in real estate as a broker and developer up until his retirement, then he and Edie moved to South Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. for seven years. They then moved to Baymeadows for a time, and then later to Birmingham, Ala.

Joe loved his family, his church, his many friends and his alma mater Auburn University. He was a true example of a southern gentleman and will always be remembered for his wit and charm and adoration of his beautiful wife Edie. Joe is survived by his four daughters: Cathy (Chris) MeGahee; Linda (John) Fricke; Judy Chamberlain; and Leslie (Kevin) Dye and 10 grandchildren: Joe (Bekah) Bowie, Eddy Bowie, Ben Fricke, Macy Fricke, Peter Fricke, Kate Chamberlain, Sarah Chamberlain, John Chamberlain, Erin Dye and Craig Dye.

A graveside service will be held at Greenlawn Cemetery (4300 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville FL 32207) on Saturday, April 7th at 2 p.m. with Pastor Albert Byrd officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holiday Hill Baptist Church (730 Mandalay Rd., Jacksonville FL 32216). Those wishing to view and sign the online guest book may do so at dignitymemorial.com.

Hardage-Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, Jacksonville, Fla., is handling the arrangements.