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Charles Godwin Cowgill Jr., 78, of Smyrna, Delaware, previously of Denton, Maryland, passed away on October 30, 2026, surrounded by the people he loved, at Bayhealth Medical Center in Dover, Delaware.
Charles was born on May 21, 1948, in Chestertown, Maryland, to the late Charles Godwin Cowgill Sr. and Ruth Anna Cowgill. He graduated with the Class of 1967 from North Caroline High School in Ridgely, Maryland. Following high school, Charles proudly served in the United States Navy, where he served until his honorable discharge in 1969.
After his time in the Navy, Charles worked for the Denton Police Department for several years before moving on to a career as a truck driver for T.R.P. He also spent eight years driving a school bus before eventually driving for DART. Charles was a proud member of the VFW in Denton, Maryland.
In his free time, Charles enjoyed watching his favorite sports teams, especially the Philadelphia Eagles and the Baltimore Ravens. But more than anything, Charles was a people person. He never met a stranger and never seemed to meet someone he couldn't become friends with.
In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his sister, Dianne Fretterd and his daughter, Amanda Cowgill.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 22 years, Ellen Cowgill; his daughter, Jessica Lane (Douglas); his siblings, Naomi Raab (Clay), Danny Cowgill (Brenda), and Joanne Bolton (Edward); and his stepsons, Michael Martin (Shelly) and Robert Martin (Jenny).
Charles's family was one of his greatest blessings, and his legacy will continue through his five grandchildren: Kasey Lane (Steven), Brittany Holden (Sam), Douglas Lane II (Billie Joe), Katlyn Cowgill and Zachery Cowgill. He also leaves behind five step-grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, fourteen great-great-grandchildren and his nephews and nieces, Wayne Fretterd, Ronald Hutson, Adam Cowgill; Lori McKewen and Erin Bartz.
A graveside service will be held at the Greensboro Cemetery in Greensboro MD, on November 21, 2026 at 1pm.
In lieu of flowers please kindly make a donation in Charles’ name to the Benedictine School at 14299 Benedictine Lane, Ridgely, Maryland 21660.
