Obituary of Carl Holmes Coward

Carl Holmes Coward, age 84, of Balsam passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at Skyland Care Center of Sylva, NC. Carl was born January 9, 1934 in Jackson, NC. He is the son of the late Fred and the late Moody (Parker) Coward. He was married for 64 years to his loving wife June Blanton. Carl was one of the founding members of the Balsam Willets Ochre Hill Fire Department. He was also president of the Balsam Community Development Center and was a member of Balsam Baptist Church. He was a loving husband, father and papaw and will be missed greatly. In addition to his wife he is survived by four children, Anita (David) Hall, Sheila (Frank) Stirling, Carl "Buddy" (Brenda) Coward Jr and Martha (Kyle) Messer; four grandchildren Melissa Hall, Shawn Nunley, Emily Coward and Brooke Stirling- Ledford; six great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; four brother Junior (Missy) Coward, Herbert Coward, JT Coward and Robert Coward. He is preceded in death by one special grandson Nathan Adam Hall; two brothers Arthur and Harvey Coward; three sister Ruth Arrington, Elmina Inman and Dorthey Rabb. Funeral Services will be held Saturday January 13th, 2018 at 11:00am at Balsam Baptist Church with Rev. Greg Cullen officiating. The family will receive friends Friday January 12th from 6:00-8:00pm at Appalachian Funeral Services. Burial will follow the service Saturday at Balsam Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be great-grandson Hunter Owen and members of the Balsam Willets Ochre Hill Fire Department. Appalachian Funeral Services is assisting the family with arrangements.