Ralph Cowart

Ralph Cowart, 84, of Salem, Arkansas was born on March 14, 1932, in Nantahala, North Carolina, son of Claude and Hettie Robina (Farmer) Cowart. He departed this life on January 30, 2017 in Salem, Arkansas.   Ralph married Elinor Rilla Wood on January 14, 1954 and to this union three sons were born. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He spent his working years as president/owner of Cowart Construction Company for thirty years. They built telephone lines all over the Southeastern United States. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was a member of Salem First Baptist Church in Salem, Arkansas.   He is survived by his wife; Rilla Cowart of Salem, Arkansas; three sons, Ralph “Buster” Cowart Jr. and wife Vicky of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, James Ricky Cowart and wife Mona of Salem, Arkansas, and Paul Rodney Cowart and wife Mary of Cabot, Arkansas; three brothers, Roy Cowart of Commerce, Georgia, Claude Cowart Jr. of Commerce, Georgia, and Curtis Cowart and wife Belinda of Bevard, North Caroloina; two sisters, Sue Lankford and husband Gilbert of Danville, Georgia and Dot Anthony of Athens, Georgia; nine grandchildren, Charity Schaufler and husband Ken, James Ricky Cowart Jr., Paige Keith and husband Nick, Andrea Taylor and husband Daniel, Amberlee Johns and husband Josh, Kayla Hare and husband Devan, Ralph “Trey” Cowart III, Jessica Benz and husband Johnathan, and Paul Rodney Cowart II; seven great grandchildren and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother (George Dockey Cowart), sister (Ira Lee Nunnally).   Funeral Services will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Salem First Baptist Church in Salem, Arkansas with Bro. John Hodges officiating. Visitation will be 6:00 ~ 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at Barker Funeral Home. Pallbearers are James Ricky Cowart Jr., Paul Rodney Cowart II, Kenneth Ray Schaufler, Jonathan Ray Schaufler, Stevie Bowles, and Jonathan Benz. Honorary Pallbearers are Walter Dennis, Don Guthrie, Barton Teague, Steve Bowles, Glenn Lane, and Dowl Godwin. Memorials may be made to the Salem First Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home of Salem, Arkansas.