William E. Cowan

William “Bill” Emerson Cowan (age 71) of Conyers, GA passed away on February 1, 2017 due to complications resulting from treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndrome. William was born June 4, 1945 in Locust Grove, GA to Harold Franklin and Julia Frances Cowan. In 1953, William welcomed younger brother, Darrell Franklin, to the family. William was a proud graduate of Henry County High School (Class of 1963).

William was introduced to his wife, Phyllis Cook Cowan, while they both worked at Atlanta Gas Light in 1965. Four short months after their first date, William and Phyllis embarked on a more than 51 year journey as a devoted, married couple. Shortly after their wedding, William left to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army including an assignment in Korea.

William and Phyllis welcomed their son, Benjamin Harold, in 1970 and their daughter, Kimberly Elizabeth, in 1975. William’s proudest legacy is his family which grew to include daughter-in-law, Joan, and grandchildren, Kathryn Elizabeth (14), Madelyn Marie (13), and Charles William (11), as well as son-in-law, Paul. Also enriching his life are his extended family including sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

William was grateful to God for the blessings and honors bestowed upon him in his life, including the opportunity to cofound his own software development firm, Confident Software, Inc. in 1985. One of William’s greatest treasures collected throughout his professional and personal lives were the friendships he made. It was difficult for anyone to remain a stranger in William’s proximity – to meet William was to want to know him. He appreciated everyone who wanted to know him.

When William was not working, he was traveling. He and Phyllis loved to sail the oceans, and visit new places. William was enamored with the beauty and expanse of God’s creations.

Funeral services for William Cowan will be Sunday, February 5, 2017 at Bethel United Methodist Church in Stockbridge, GA at 2:00 pm. The family will receive visitors at Horis Ward Funeral Home in Stockbridge, GA on Friday, February 03, 2017 between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm and Saturday, February 4, 2017 between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm.