Florence - Thaddeus Fred Coward, Jr, 88, died in a local hospital on April 27, 2017. Funeral services will be Sunday, April 30, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel at Layton- Anderson Funeral Home. Entombment will follow at Florence Memorial Gardens. The family will speak to visitors from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. before the service at the Funeral Home.

Fred was born in Coward, SC, the son of the late Thaddeus Fred, Sr. and Gladys Carmon Coward.

Fred was a devoted and loving husband, father and a strong Christian, dedicated to serving Jesus Christ. He was a long time member of Baptist Churches where he served numerous terms as a deacon, choir member, Sunday School Teacher and supported faithfully the other ministries of the church. He was a graduate of J.C. Lynch High School and worked in apparel manufacturing for 45 years in various positions throughout the Southeast. He was also a Mason and past Master of Flintville Lodge.

Surviving are his wife of 68 years, Juanita Meggs Coward; three children, Sheron (John) Laney, Demoplis, AL, Lynn (Jannette) Coward of Belmont, NC and Craig (Jan) Coward, Rock Hill, SC; seven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren; sisters, Miriam Yarborough,Travis Walker, and Lois Hewitt; a brother, W.H. Coward and sister-in-law, JoAnn Coward. He was preceded in death by a brother, Jesse Ray Coward.

Memorials may be made East Side Christian Church, 3451 E. Palmetto Street, Florence, SC 29506.

You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.laytonandersonfh.com