Ray Patterson ‘Patt' Coward, longtime sales rep

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, November 26, 2012

COVINGTON, La. - Ray Patterson "Patt" Coward, a longtime sales representative in the New Orleans area, has died at age 86.
     Coward began his career in 1950 in the Lane Co. office in Altavista, Va., where he met his wife, Rachel, who was a secretary. He became a sales rep for Lane in 1963 and moved his family to New Orleans. He joined Bassett Furniture as a sales rep in 1970 and remained with the company until his retirement in 1997.
     Coward served in the Navy during World War II and later received the Louisiana State Veterans Medal of Honor.
     Away from work, Coward was passionate about music and was the organist and choirmaster for several churches. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and the American Legion Post 415.
     Survivors include his wife, three daughters, nine grandchildren and a brother.
     Memorial contributions may be made to St. Timothy on the Northshore UMC, 335 Asbury Drive, Mandeville, La. 70471.