Mr. Timothy Wayne Coward, age 68, a resident of 5480 U.S. Highway 264 W., Washington, passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, July 14, 2019.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2019, at Paul Funeral Home in Washington, officiated by Pastor Viola Clark. Burial will follow in Pamlico Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Keith Manning, Lee Manning, Greg Rowe, Dean Taylor, Everett Woolard and D.C. Linton, Jr.

Visitation will be prior to funeral services from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home and the family will receive visitors during other times at the home of Tim Coward.

Tim was born in Beaufort County on Oct. 12, 1950, son of the late William Henry “Bill” Coward and the late Thelma Ree Scott Coward. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1967-1970 in Vietnam and Korea. He was a Sargent by the age of 17. Tim received two purple hearts and a bronze star with valor, along with other numerous awards. On Nov. 25, 1972, he married his elementary school sweetheart, Earlene Elizabeth Bright, who preceded him in death on Jan. 18, 2015.

Tim discovered his love of welding when returning from overseas and started working at Hackney and Sons of Washington. He dedicated over 18 years of service being a foreman during the day and, with determination, began his own business of Coastal Welding Service in his back yard working nights. Tim expanded his profession and became the founder, owner and operator of Coastal Industries, Inc. which he retired from in 2013. In 2004, he was nominated and named runner up for N.C. Business of the year.

Survivors include two daughters, Julia Coward Edwards (husband Barry), of Oak Ridge, and Shanna Coward Campbell (husband James), of Washington; three brothers, Kenneth Coward (wife Vicki), of Washington, Tex Coward (wife Lynette), and Danny Coward (wife Brenda), both of Chocowinity; five sisters, Vonnie Heath, Jeanette Beakes, Cindy Coward, and Sue Ann Taylor (husband Dean), all of Washington, Pat Kent (husband George), of Yorktown, Virginia; three grandchildren, Timothy Shane Carter, Brooke Elizabeth Edwards and Max Edwards; along with numerous nephews and nieces that meant the world to him.

Tim was predeceased by his parents, wife, niece Jennifer Coward Ginn, sister Joy Wesley, and brother-in-law Carol Heath.

On behalf of the Coward family, we would like to convey our appreciation to Community Hospice and especially to his nurse, Marie Foster, who went above and beyond to care for Tim during his time of need. Tim also was blessed to be cared for by his niece, Sabrina Elks, of Edenton.

Flowers are welcome and appreciated and the family kindly asks that any memorial contributions are made to the Disabled American Veterans, Beaufort County Chapter #48, 306 Helens Lane, Washington, NC 27889.

Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve Tim’s family.