Raymond Pierce Cowan

"That we ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed."

"Let us make way for grace; let us redeem the lost time, for perhaps we have but little left. Death follows us close; let us be well prepared for it."
The Practice of the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence

So was the life of Raymond Pierce Cowan, who was ushered into the presence of God on July 20, 2022. Since early childhood, Raymond dedicated his time and resources to serving Christ. He was born into the Manchester, Georgia, home of minister and wife, The Reverend Emory Pierce and Ethel Mae Cowan on April 2, 1937, and eleven siblings. Dr. Cowan graduated in 1955 from Tucker High School and from Trevecca Nazarene University in 1961.

After college graduation, he married Naomi Ruth Shannon on August 18, 1961, and then continued his education in Kansas City, MO, with a Master of Divinity degree from Nazarene Theological Seminary, a Master of Arts degree from Emory University, and a Doctorate of Philosophy degree from Georgia State University. He was an active member of the American History Association and the Georgia History Association.

His parents, one sister, seven half-sisters and three half-brothers preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Naomi Ruth Shannon Cowan, two daughters, Cynthia Renee Gottlieb of Lawrenceville, GA, Jennifer Ranelle Petitt of Fredericksburg, VA, a sister Betty LaNelle Stiles of Abilene, TX, four grandsons, Andrew Gottlieb of Greenville, SC, Aaron Petitt of Madison, WI, Caleb Petitt of Fairfax, VA, and Matthew Petitt of Norfolk, VA, as well as several nephews and nieces.

Raymond's lifelong photography hobby has provided countless memories of special family events, Christmas celebrations, and travel experiences. Raymond was an avid writer. His Biblical scholarship was shared in the Sunday School lessons that were personally written and shared with class members. He has several unpublished essays and an unpublished manuscript of the Old Testament for the new Christian. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Gainesville, GA, where he enjoyed recording music from the sanctuary and sharing the CDs with all who shared his love of music.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, July 24, 2022 at the Chapel of First Baptist Church of Gainesville.

The family will receive visitors in the Chapel of First Baptist Church of Gainesville directly following the service on Sunday, July 24, 2022.

A Private Entombment will be held at the Columbarium of First Baptist Church of Gainesville.

The family wishes to extend love and gratitude to the care-givers of the Lakes of Gainesville and the nurses, aides, and staff of The Golden Rule Hospice and the host of Christian friends at First Baptist Church Gainesville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the music program of First Baptist Church, Gainesville.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, South Chapel at 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. Telephone: 706-778-7123.