Obituary of Charles Ray Coward

Charles Ray “Charlie” Coward, age 58 of Gallatin, passed away Saturday March 19, 2016. Funeral Service will be at Gallatin First Church of the Nazarene Thursday March 24th at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Alan Thompson, Pastor Glenn Creasy, and Pastor Stephen Kihnley officiating. Interment will follow at Sumner Memorial Gardens, with Ray Ball, Chip Wilson, James Spears, Amp Angel, Doug Fuqua, and T. C. Carter serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be Wednesday March 23rd from 11:00 am until 8:00 p.m. at Alexander Funeral Home and Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until time to leave for the church, at the Funeral Home. Charlie was born April 15, 1957 in Gallatin to Vickie Frances White Coward of Gallatin, and the late A. J. Coward, Jr. In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by son, Charles Jacob Coward; and brother, Bobby Joe Coward. In addition to his mother, he is survived by wife of 33 years, Lelia Wims Coward of Gallatin; children, Anne Chaffin of Gallatin, Beau Troutt of Westmoreland, Karen Coward (Jacoby Rice) of Gallatin, Carlos Coward (Caroline) of Gallatin, and Evan Coward, son of Bobby Joe Coward of Gallatin; paternal grandparents, A. J. Coward, Sr. and Jettie Coward; maternal grandparents, Lem White, and Betty Linville White; sisters, Betty Clark, of Nashville, and Frances Wix (Tim) of Bethpage; sister-in-law’s, Mandy Coward, wife of Bobby Coward of Gallatin, Nancy Reedy (Bill) of Leoma, TN, Nina Young (Ray) of Hartsville, Brenda Kendall (Roy Lee) of Bethpage, and Donna Russell (Geary) of Castalian Springs. Brother-in-laws, Carlos Wims of Gallatin, John Wims (Jacky) of Portland, and Phillip Wims of Gallatin; 6 grandchildren, Emma Chaffin, Olivia Chaffin, Jack Chaffin, Eli Rice, Noah Rice, and Sylas Rice. 38 nieces and nephews; and 28 great nieces and nephews. Charlie worked for R.R. Donnelley for 38 years, he never took a sick day and was never late to work. Online condolences may be submitted at alexanderfh.info. Alexander Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.