Earl Thurman Cowart

Earl Thurman Cowart, 73, of Rustburg, died Monday, Dec. 20, 2010, at Lynchburg General Hospital. He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy M. Cowart.

He was born December 6, 1937 in Madison Heights, a son of the late Marion Jesse Cowart and the late Thelma Cowart. Earl was employed at Apple Ford in Lynchburg.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Stephen Earl Cowart and his partner Lori Riedel and her son Alec of Port Charlotte, Florida, two step-children, Krista Withers and her partner Debbie Thomason of Gordonsville, Va. and J. Scott Withers and wife Jessica; and three grandchildren Bryan, Carrie and David of Roseland, Va.  He is survived by six brothers, Jesse and wife Muriel, Leonard and wife Nancy, Louis and wife Nancy, Larry and wife Carolyn, Roger and wife Barbara, and Dennis and wife Pam; and a number of nieces and nephews and many very special friends and animals.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Marjorie Cowart Wooldridge.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Dec. 22, from 6-8 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory in Lynchburg.  The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 23rd at Tharp Funeral Home with burial at Cumbie Cemetery, Rustburg Va. following the service. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 16.

The family requests that those wishing to make memorials please consider Rustburg Volunteer Fire Department, 697 Village Hwy., Rustburg, Va. 24588; or Rustburg Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 281, Rustburg, Va. 24588.



Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, 434-237-9424.