Stuart Lee Cozort Jr.

Stuart Lee Cozort, Jr., age 87, of Conover, NC, passed away on Saturday, October 16, 2021 after a period of declining health. Born May 27, 1934 in Caldwell County, NC, he was the son of the late Stuart Lee Cozort, Sr. and Margaret Mae Keever Cozort.

Stuart graduated from Drexel High School in 1952 and then joined the US Air Force, where he proudly served for 4 years. He then attended NC State University and graduated with a BS degree in Mathematics. Stuart taught math and physics for several years in Sanford, NC. He then entered the banking industry and had a successful career with First Federal Savings and Loan in Sanford, NC, Montgomery Federal Savings and Loan in Troy, NC, and Macon Savings Bank in Murphy, NC. Stuart was an avid sports fan, especially of the NC State Wolfpack and Boston Red Sox’. He was civic minded and enjoyed holding leadership roles and participating in jaycees, rotary, scouts, and numerous other community organizations. Stuart was appointed and served for over 20 years on the NC Board of Funeral Service. Following his retirement, he became a substitute teacher in Catawba County. Stuart was an active member of Grace Reformed United Church of Christ in Newton, NC.

In addition to his parents, Stuart was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Joanna Frances Terry; brother, George Gary Cozort; and sister-in-law, Jane Cozort.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Jo Ann Lowman Cozort of Conover, NC; son, Stuart L. Cozort, III and wife, Julie of Elon, NC; daughter, Julie C. Terry and husband, Greg of Clemson, SC; grandchildren, Stuart L. “Buck” Cozort, IV and wife, Danielle of Burlington, NC, Madeline E. Terry of Charleston, SC and fiancé Bret Clein, and Alexander G. Terry and wife, Emily of Belton, SC; great-grandson, Porter O. Cozort; siblings, Ben Cozort of Valdese, NC, Sybil C. Butler and husband, Jerry of Glen Alpine, NC, Nancy C. Clark and husband, George of Oak Hill, NC, Dottie C. Fox and husband, Ronnie of Morganton, NC, Dale Cozort and wife, Rachel, of Drexel, NC, and Jack Cozort and wife, Kathy of Raleigh, NC; and sister-in-law, Sue Cozort of Drexel, NC.

A celebration of Stuart’s life will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 in the Chapel of Drum Funeral Home in Hickory, NC with Rev. Ryan Brakemeyer officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. A private entombment service will be held at Burke Memorial Park in Morganton, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to: Humane Society of Catawba County, 3224 20th Ave. SE, Hickory, NC, 28602.