Richard Franklin Cowart, Sr.

Richard Franklin Cowart Sr. passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on March 27, 2026.

Richard was born in Cleveland, Miss., on Feb. 9, 1937. He graduated from Cleveland High School and, as a student, was a member of the Bolivar County 4-H Club. From 1953 through 1956, his Jersey cow, Daisy, earned top honors as Grand Champion at the Delta Livestock Show — an early reflection of his strong work ethic and dedication. After graduating high school, Richard attended Delta State College and graduated in 1960 with a B.A. in accounting. He also served his country in the Army Reserve.

Shortly after graduating from college, Richard moved to Vicksburg after accepting a position with the Internal Revenue Service as an IRS agent. During his tenure, he was known for being tough but fair and reasonable. When he resigned in 1968 to accept the position of comptroller for F.L. Cappaert, he received a personal letter from R.H. Elrod of the IRS Audit Division, who wrote, “The resignation of an agent of your ability and potential is a great loss to the Service.”

As comptroller — a role he held with great respect and pride — Richard was intricately involved in many of Cappaert’s business ventures, including Farm Land Company, Cappaert Enterprises, Elpac and Guerdon Inc. In 1982, he was named vice president of Warrenton Video Inc., a new F.L. Cappaert enterprise and the second cable television firm in the Vicksburg area.

In 1984, Richard started Richard Cowart Inc., establishing himself as a second-generation contractor, builder and developer — work he remained passionate about throughout his life. Over the years, he constructed homes, convenience stores, office buildings and apartment complexes from Cleveland to Fayette, Mississippi. He also had a passion for land development and is credited with helping create at least six subdivisions in Warren County. A licensed realtor and broker, Richard also served as president of the Home Builders Association for many years.

Richard was also deeply involved in his community. A longtime member of the YMCA, he was active in the Y’s Men and, in 1968, was honored as part of the YMCA Family of the Year. He became a member of the Rotary Club of Vicksburg in 1970 and was a Major Donor of the Rotary Foundation.

Richard was a seasoned pilot who found great joy in flying — an expression of his adventurous spirit.

His faith was the foundation of his life. A devoted member of Crawford Street United Methodist Church, he served on numerous leadership committees and was part of the church team that helped build the first Habitat for Humanity house in Vicksburg.

Above all, Richard was a loving and devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. In his final days, he made it a point to speak with each of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, expressing his love, offering encouragement and sharing how proud he was of each of them.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Frank Washington Cowart and Stella Davis Cowart, and brother Archie Cowart.

He is survived by his wife, Phylis Burdine Sultan, with whom he shared more than 60 years of marriage; his daughter, Terri Frazier (Walter); sons Richard Jr. (Donna) and Robbie (Mia); grandchildren Anna Harris (Craig), Leah Ivey (Joseph), Alex Yates (Trent), Richard III (Erin), William Burnett (Meagan), Tess Rigdon (Sebastian), Lyndsey Herrod (Holden) and Zac; great-grandchildren Stella and Amelia Ivey, Samuel & Julia Yates, Drake and Nick Tillotson, Brantly Harris, Lucy Herrod, Grayson Rigdon and soon-to-be granddaughter, Rowan Rigdon, sister Sara Cowart Langston (Jim), and brother Julian Cowart.

A celebration of life will take place at Crawford Street United Methodist Church in Vicksburg on Friday, April 3, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be prior to the service at 10 a.m. A family graveside service will follow.

Richard’s grandchildren and their spouses will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Sam Pierce, who was a loving and compassionate doctor to Richard and the entire family; Carl Sanders, a beloved friend who drove Richard to dialysis and assisted him when needed; and the Friendship Sunday School class.

The family would like to thank the women from 24/7 Caregivers: Sherri Sims, Samantha Simpson, Betty Clark, Wanda Bracey, Shelia Smith, Melissa Fultz and Beverly Barnett.

Memorials can be made to Crawford Street United Methodist Church, 900 Crawford St.; Grace Christian Counseling Center, 1414 Cherry St.; or the Storehouse Community Food Pantry, P.O. Box 820914 Vicksburg, Ms. 39182.

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