William Jasper "Bill" Cowan, 84

William Jasper "Bill" Cowan, 84, passed away on Saturday March 29, 2014.

Bill was a native of Jackson County and proudly called the Cullowhee and Webster areas "home" for most of his life. In recent years, he moved to Mills River to be near his children and grandchildren.

The son of the late James Jasper "J.J." Cowan and Hicks Ashe Cowan, he was preceded in death by his siblings Cordell Cowan, Edith Cowan, Gladys Kiker, Mary Alice"Tootsie"Philips, and Stella Smith.

Bill an Air Force veteran, is survived by his wife of 48 years Linda Barnett Cowan. In his retirement years he spent time near his children Jill Cowan Gregg (Brian), Jan Cowan King (Wade), and Jimmy Cowan (Diana). Bill also enjoyed visits from his oldest daughter Edie Tagmir-Shelton (Gale) from Del City, Okla. His grandchildren will miss "Papa" dearly. He leaves a legacy of eight grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Many Jackson County residents will remember Bill from his work at the Cullowhee Post Office or as the founder of Cullowhee Real Estate. But his children will remember him most as a man who was sharp with numbers, loved to play cards and watch the news, and took the job of being a good provider very seriously. After he moved to Mills River, he enjoyed trips back to see his friends in Jackson County where he always felt at home. He was a member of the East LaPorte Masonic Lodge, the American Legion and was a Shriner.

A Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 6, 2014, at Appalachian Funeral Home, 165 Skyland Drive, Sylva.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Shriners Childrens Hospital, 950 W. Faris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605 Attn: Tracy McReynolds.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.