Louis Henry Coward, 86, of Rockingham passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Quail Haven Healthcare Center in Pinehurst.
He was born on May 27, 1939, in Richmond County, a son of the late Jimmy Coward,Sr. and Cleon Smith Coward.
Louis was raised in the Grenaco Mill Village area in southern Richmond County. He was in the U.S. Army Reserve and retired from CSX Railroad. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Rockingham. He was a member of the Rockingham Masonic Lodge and a proud member of UTU Hamlet Local 1011.
Louis was a Rockingham High School football player and was selected to the N.C. East, West All-Star game his senior year. He continued his passion for football by being an avid Richmond Raider football fan. In his retirement, he enjoyed spending every minute with his beloved wife, Peggy, and his grandkids
He was preceded in death by wife Peggy L. Coward; a daughter, Susan Coward; and a sister, Evelyn Potter.
A memorial service will be conducted on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Hamlet with Dr. Allison Farrah officiating.
The family will receive friends from 12:30-2 p.m. prior to the service at the church. The family will also receive friends at other times at the home, at 114 Creek Run Lane, Rockingham.
Left to cherish Louis’ memory are his son, David Coward (Nikki) of Rockingham; grandchildren, Abbey and Matt Coward of Rockingham; and his brother, Jimmy Coward Jr. of Heath Springs, South Carolina.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church in Hamlet, 208 Charlotte St., Hamlet, NC 28380.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Coward family.
