Bill Cozart

William “Bill” Merritt Cozart, Jr., 79, passed away on Friday, May 23, 2026.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, at North Lexington Baptist Church with Pastor Gavin Pratt officiating. A private burial will follow at Forest Hill Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

Bill was born in Chowan County on August 1, 1946, to the late William Merritt Cozart, Sr. and Kathryn Shump Cozart. He was a graduate of Guilford College and also attended North Carolina State University. Bill retired as a plant manager after many years of dedicated service with Achieva. In addition, Bill spent more than 30 years preparing taxes alongside his dear friend, Larry Ledford, CPA, building many lasting friendships through his work and service to others. Bill will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather who deeply cherished his family. His kindness, steady presence, and dedication to those he loved will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Carol Haste Cozart; his daughter, Kathy Cozart Hayes and husband Zack; his granddaughters, Payton Hayes, Cassidy Hayes, and Addison Hayes; his brother, Charles Nelson Cozart and wife BJ; his nephews, Charles Nelson Cozart, Jr. and wife Rebecca, and William Hunter Cozart and wife Jessie; and his great-niece and great-nephew, Cora Marie Cozart and William “Liam” Hunter Cozart, Jr.

Memorials may be directed to North Lexington Baptist Church, 201 Mize Road, Lexington, NC 27292, or to Susan G. Komen Foundation, 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, TX 75380.