Willie Robert Cowart, 74, son of Willie Watt and Nettie Christine Cowart, born August 16, 1943 in San Angelo, Texas, passed away Wednesday August 15, 2018 in the presence of his family at Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.

Willie served our country in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1986.  Meeting Etsuko, the love of his life, in Okinawa, Japan. They married December 7, 1970 and had two children James and Michiko. Upon retiring from the US Navy in 1986, Willie started working for United States Customs as a communications officer until retiring in 2006. Willie enjoyed long road trips with his loving wife, tinkering with computers and electronics (he was our I.T. Support), and spending time with his family in Illinois, Florida, and Texas.  He also enjoyed fishing, astronomy, muscle cars, museums, had a big sweet tooth, and loved to see new places.

Willie was preceded in death by his loving wife Etsuko, his mother, Nettie, his step-father James Wolf, and his father Willie Watt.

Willie is survived by his son James and wife Marie and granddaughter Megan Messer of Jacksonville, FL., his daughter Michiko Walker and her husband Michael and grandchildren Sophia and Ethan of Chicago, IL., sister Nancy Hodges of Brady Texas, brother Charles of Texas, along with several nieces and nephews.

Visitation Tuesday August 21, 2018 at 10 AM At the funeral home

Graveside to follow with Military Honors At 10:30 AM Arlington Park Cemetery

Family requested Memorials to be sent to the American Cancer Society 1430 Prudential Drive Jacksonville, FL 32207 in lieu of Flowers.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32211 (904) 724-6384.