William Frederick Cowart, Sr., 81, of Franklin, passed away Saturday, January 24, 2015.

Born in Macon County, he was the son of the late Frank R. Cowart and Maybelle Williamson Cowart. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Ross Cowart who died May 11, 2008; two children, Patricia Cowart Pellerin and Marlene Cowart Tichenor; brothers, Randolph, Wiley, R.L., Jesse and Junior Hill and sisters, Betty Passmore and Peggy Cowart. William was a retired truck driver, and he loved fishing, playing cards and going to auctions.

He is survived by two children, Deborah Erdman and husband Steve of Franklin and William Cowart, Jr. and wife Rael of Newport, NC; brother, Earl Cowart of Franklin; sister, Dorothy Scott of Franklin; eight grandchildren, Stephanie, Tracy, Jeremy, William, Michael, Madeline, Nicole and Catherine; four great grandchildren, Rachel, Colton, Skylynn and Annebelle; and several nieces and nephews.

No services are planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Applachian Animal Rescue Center, PO Box 81, Franklin, NC 28744.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com