Thomas Haywood Cowles Sr

Thomas Haywood Cowles Sr, 80, a resident of Highland Home, Alabama, passed away in his home on Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025. A graveside service for Haywood will be held at 2 PM on Friday, December 26th, in Berea Cemetery with his son-in-law, Lonnie McGough delivering the eulogy and Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing. Family and friends will meet in the cemetery at the service time.

Haywood was a jack of all trades and a master of all. There was nothing he did that he didn't excel at time and time again. Surely, some of it was natural talent but it was primarily his astounding work ethic that was the key to his success. After all, he was not only a skilled mechanic and welder, but also a timber harvester for 35 years and a cattle farmer for much of his life. Oh, and let's not forget that he played guitar with a bluegrass band in his younger days. Yep, Haywood oozed with both talent and perseverance throughout his eight decades on this planet. He also believed in the value of land ownership and the importance of your family's history in his work to preserve the family homestead as a phenomenal venue/gathering place, "The Big House," for all of their family and friends. Above all, he was a consistent and valued pillar in his community of Highland Home. He cherished his home and community as he served on the board of trustees for Rocky Mount Cemetery for over 40 years as well. Truly, it's hard to think of Highland Home and not think of Mr. Haywood and his never-ending contributions to his little spot on the map!

Haywood, AKA "Papa" as his grandchildren named him and his was lovingly known throughout his community, was also the rock of his family. He loved them with every fiber of his being, and they all thrived under that love all these years. His amazingly generous heart was boon to many a person in need over the years and such a wonderful inspiration to all those who knew and loved him. His family, especially, never wanted for anything as long as Papa was around because he never failed to be their support system every time they needed him. Now, that doesn't mean that he wasn't the biggest handful you've ever met, but how could you not love that bear-size heart underneath the gruff exterior. There wasn't a better husband, father, or Papa on this earth in any of their eyes and the lifetime of memories they made together will keep him alive for many more years to come.

Haywood was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Kay Rainwater Cowles; children, Edward Loftin and Sharon Loftin McGough; parents, Edwin "Jake" & Mattie Bell Bennett Cowles; and brother, Reginald Cowles. He is survived by his son, T.H. Cowles Jr; grandchildren, Neal (Amanda) McGough and Anna Grace Cowles (Jonathon Jones); great-grandson, Jack Farmer; son-in-law, Lonnie McGough; brother-in-law, Erbie (Nina) Rainwater; aunts, Eileen (Dee) Bennett and Mary (Obie) Benton; and numerous other extended family members and friends.

Active pallbearers will be Bry Findley, Neal McGough, Jonathon Jones, Dennison Reeves, Phillip Green, and Adam Bennett. Honorary pallbearers will be John Lee Harris, Paul Bowden, Keith Reeves, and the men of Newell Roadbuilders Inc.