MULLINS, S.C. - Mr. Ernest Edward Coward, 86, died Wednesday, February 18, 2009, at Marion Nursing Center after an illness. He was born December 28, 1922, in Florence County, a son of the late Drayton Ellie Coward and the late Mamie Gaymon Coward. Mr. Coward was a retired painter. He was a US Army veteran, having served in World War II as a Sergeant. Surviving Mr. Coward are five sisters, Mrs. Velma Thompson of Dunwoody, Ga., Mrs. Eloise Howard of Florence and Mrs. Jaunita Sanderlin of Mullins; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Coward was predeceased by a sister, Mrs. Irene Evans and two brothers, Mr. Thomas Coward and Mr. J.H. Coward. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, February 21, at the Chapel of Cox-Collins Funeral Home, with the Rev. Darrell Floyd officiating. Burial will follow in Red HIll Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held Saturday afternoon, from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m., one hour prior to the service, at COX-COLLINS FUNERAL HOME. Memorials may be made to Ascension Hospice, P.O. Box 1367, Irmo, S.C. 29063. The family would like to express a special thank you to Dr. John Odom, the staff of Marion Nursing Center and to Ascension Hospice for all of their loving care. Visit our guestbook at _www.charleston.net/deaths_ (http://www.charleston.net/deaths) . Published in the Charleston Post & Courier on 2/20/2009 **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1218822736x1201267884/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Fwww.freecr editreport.com%2Fpm%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fsc%3D668072%26hmpgID%3D62%26bcd%3DfebemailfooterNO62)