Earnest B. Cowart

Earnest B. "E.B." Cowart, 85, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the Community Hospice Inpatient Center in Vidalia, Georgia. E.B. was born on October 15, 1939, in Reidsville, Georgia to Earnest and Jennie Rogers Cowart and was a graduate of Reidsville High School.

After graduating from high school, where he excelled in both football and track, E.B. embarked on a career in the paper industry, beginning his journey in Savannah before making his way to Atlanta after a promotion. It was in Atlanta that he met the love of his life, Jane. Together, they navigated their careers in the apparel industry with Winer Industries, where he showcased his skills by managing warehousing and manufacturing operations. 

Journeying to Gainsville, Florida, E.B. managed rental properties along with co-owning and operating a BBQ restaurant, Georgia Boys BBQ. This opportunity is one he carried with him throughout his life and spoke often. He and his family returned to Glennville in 1985 where he was self-employed for many years before retiring as a correctional officer from Rogers State Prison.

Throughout his life, E.B. was known for his hardworking nature and as a steadfast provider for any member of his family. His loved ones and friends found him to be a true friend, someone they could always count on in times of need. Earnest had a passion for fishing and horses, and he cherished the moments spent with his family, especially with his granddaughters, enriching their lives with his love and guidance. His favorite name above all else was "Papa".

E.B. grew up attending Pine Grove Baptist Church in Reidsville and later became a member of Hopewell Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Jane Kicklighter Cowart, siblings, Ernestine Oliver (Beverly), Herbert Cowart, Elva Lee Alston (Joe), Harris Cowart (Jewel), Ted Cowart (Dot), Louise Thurman (Slim) and a sister-in-law, Betty Waters (Lethridge).

He is survived by, his son, Ernie Cowart (Tammy) of Glennville, Georgia, two granddaughters, ClaraJane and LilyAnna Cowart, a brother, Enoch Cowart (Polly) of Reidsville, Georgia, brother-in-law, Jimmy Kicklighter (Kathy) of Bluffton, South Carolina, several nieces and nephews also survive.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Watermelon Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to: Hopewell Church, P.O. Box 459, Glennville, Georgia 30427 or Pine Grove Baptist Church, P.O. Box 735, Reidsville, Georgia 30453.

Care and Services are entrusted to Brannen Family Funeral Services, Glennville, Georgia. "Our Family Serving Your Family."