James "Larry" Cowart

James Larry Cowart, “Larry”, 82, passed away peacefully on May 5th, 2025.

Larry was born in Sylacauga, Alabama to Rufus and Myrtle Kelley Cowart, the oldest of their three children. His parents moved their young family to work in Opelika so that they could ensure their children would have the educational opportunities that they did not have. Larry famously had his first job at 9, selling vegetables from the family garden, moving on to a paper route not long after, winning paper boy of the year.  Smart as a whip, he was either working or studying from a very early age. After graduating from Auburn High School, Larry was the first in his family to attend college. He graduated in 1967 from his beloved alma mater, Auburn University, with a Doctorate of Pharmacy. Beginning his career in research pharmacy for the Beecham Massengill Corporation, he quickly realized that his real gift was in sales, which began a more than 40 year career in the pharmaceutical industry, including many years as a pioneer in the world of generic pharmaceutical sales. His customers across the southeast and beyond became lifelong friends and mentors. 

Larry had an unmatched passion for cars and spent his life collecting, restoring and driving. The Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall with the top down was one of his favorite places to be. He would take a car apart and put it back together just to find a small rattle, unheard by the average mortal. 

Larry is survived by the love of his life since high school, Virginia Hatchett Cowart, his daughter Kelley Cowart Thackston (Galen) of Montgomery, Alabama, his son Jay Cowart (Anna Maria) of Greer, South Carolina, his brother, Duane Cowart (Clynda) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and sister, Elizabeth Cowart Borg of Opelika, Alabama. He loved and adored his five grandchildren, who brought out the very best in him: Patrick Thackston, Jack Thackston, Ben Thackston, Amelia Cowart and Maxwell Cowart. He was blunt and opinionated, but you knew you were loved. We will all miss his vast knowledge on most any subject, quick wit and sparkling blue eyes. 

The family would like to thank all of his wonderful caregivers from Home Helpers, Interim Hospice and Rolling Green. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity and maybe wear a little orange or blue in his memory. 

Funeral services will be 2pm, May 16, 2025 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 1pm prior to the service.