Ernie graduated from Springwood School and earned a B.A. in History from The University of Alabama, and a M.A. from University of Southern Mississippi. Ernie’s career was in economic development and he was employed by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama. He was a member of Independent Presbyterian Church; Leadership Birmingham; and Sigma Chi fraternity.
Ernie was preceded in death by his father George R. Cowart. He is survived by his wife, Lydia Ussery Cowart, his children Ernest Hugh Cowart, Jr. (Hugh), Sarah Elizabeth Cowart (Sarah Beth), his mother, Sara Jennie Cowart, his sister, Sally Cowart Clark and spouse Eddie Clark, his brother, George Richard Cowart, Jr. and spouse Karen Cowart, his sister in law Elizabeth ‘Libby” Grubic and spouse Dave, his brother in law Gordon “Bud” Ussery, III and his spouse Mary Ussery. He is also survived by his nieces Elizabeth McElroy and Madeline Trowell and his nephews Nathan Edward Clark, George Richard Cowart, III, Justin Nagle, Tyler Nagle, Gordon Ussery, IV and John Douglas Ussery. Ernie was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
Ernie was an incredible father and friend. He had a great sense of humor & was the first to share a comical story. His passion in life was his family & friends and he never met a stranger. He enjoyed spending time at his family farm, the beach, and attending Alabama football games.
There will be visitation at Independent Presbyterian Church located at 3100 Highland Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35205 on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from 2-3pm followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 3pm.
In lieu of flowers, please send gifts in memory of Ernie Cowart to The American Heart Association at Heart.org.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com for the Cowart family.
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