Obituary of Leonard Metzler Coward, Sr.

Leonard Metzler Coward, Sr. of West Columbia, SC., age 100, went home to be with our Lord Jesus on Monday, May 31, 2021.

Born October 10, 1920 in Edgefield, SC, he was the son of the late Jasper Sylvester Coward and Martha Elizabeth Jacobs Coward.  He attended school in Columbia, SC. through the eighth grade until he started working to help support his family. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II where he developed an interest in radio electronics and built one of the first transistor radios.

Leonard married the former Lettie Bonnett in 1939 and moved to West Columbia in 1951. In 1955, he established Coward’s TV & Radio Service and worked from his home and backyard shop while raising and supporting his family of seven.  That same year he was saved by the blood of Jesus Christ when he placed his faith and trust in our Lord. He was a member of Green Hill Baptist Church for 66 years, serving as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Director, Sound Operator and Director of the Audio Tape Ministry for shut ins. 

His wife of 55 years, Lettie, died in 1994 and he is now survived by his wife of 22 years, Ann Hutto Coward; his two daughters Linda Singley of Gilbert; and Debby Sullivan (Mike) of Leesville; two sons, Leonard “Bubba” M. Coward, Jr., of West Columbia; and Ricky Coward, Sr. (Jenny) of Gilbert; adopted nephew Burl Russell Hutchison, Jr. (Nancy) of Statesville, NC; stepdaughters Kathy Trexler (Lee), Shirley Olive (Gene), and Cindy Hallman (Buddy); grandchildren, Pamela James (David) of Gilbert; Kathy Phillips (Del) of Gaston; Michael (Mike) Leonard Coward of Pelion; Ricky Coward, Jr. of Cayce; Zach Coward of Gilbert; Jeff Hutchison (Cynthia) of West Columbia; and Joe Hutchison of Saxapahaw, NC; great grandchildren, Eric Phillips (Karolyne), Taylor Price (Noah), Brittany Shull, Megan Young (Carl), and great great grand daughter Addison Price along with other nieces, nephews, and friends.

Leonard was very creative and loved to build, repair, and “tinker” with things always believing and teaching his children “where there’s a will, there’s a way”.  He had a big heart and would give to others unconditionally if they were in need. He was respected by his peers and loved by all.

His lasting legacy is his love for our Lord Jesus and his family, his integrity in all business affairs, and his teaching by example to live a life that was pleasing to God and to the best of his ability.

He was truly loved and will surely be missed.