Harold Grady Cowart Jr.

Harold G. Cowart Jr. passed away peacefully on March 24, 2016, he was 91 years old. Harold was born on September 20, 1924 in Statesboro, GA. He was the son of Henry Grady Cowart and Clara Scott Cowart. Harold had five brothers (Gene, Carl, Basil, Melvin and Billy) and six sisters (Robbie, Lula May, Juanita, Lottie, Ruby, Maitie).

Harold is survived by his wife, Joyce M. Cowart; daughters, Brenda Driggers (Ron) and Robin Jackson (Colby); son, Johnny Grady Cowart; six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; sister, Robbie and brother, Billy.

Harold served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II in the fourth Marine Corps Division. Harold's division landed on Roi-Namur, Tinian, Saipan, and Iwo Jima. On Iwo Jima, Harold was wounded by an enemy mortar round, resulting in shrapnel permanently within his back. Harold was awarded with a Purple Heart and numerous other medals for his action in the Pacific. After returning home from the war Harold met and married Joyce M. Combs and they have been married 67 years. Harold worked at the paper mill (Owens Illinois, Jefferson Smurfit) here in Jacksonville for over 40 years. Harold was known for being a loyal, soft spoken, caring man by his family, fellow Marines, and all who had the privilege to know him. Everyone loved “G”! Semper Fi!

Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00pm on Monday, March 28 in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin. The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, March 29 at 11:00am with visitation one hour prior in Mandarin Baptist Church, 11244 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL. The Committal Service will be held on Wednesday, March 30 at 10:30am in Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd. Jacksonville, FL.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223, www.hgmandarin.com, 904-288-0025.March 30 at the National Military Cemetery on the north side at 4083 Lannie Rd.