TIFTON - Carl “Coy” Tawzer, Sr., 84, of Tifton, passed away Friday, October 9, 2026, at his residence. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 12, 2026, in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals with the Rev. Josh Campbell and Steven Williford officiating. Mr. Tawzer will be laid to rest at Wayside Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Buster Mercer, Don Tawzer, Timmy Domingue, Greg Davis, Tom Sprouse, and Brent Fletcher will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry White, Harvey Kendricks, Randall Moore, Shane Stone, Lee Whittle, Larry McMillan, Gus Upshaw, Johnny Tawzer, Don Jones, and Robert Johnson.
Born December 29, 1941, in Tift County, Mr. Tawzer was the son of the late Thomas Howard Tawzer, Sr. and Ofelon Hightower Tawzer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Edith “Carolyn” Norman Tawzer, to whom he was married 61 years; four brothers, Donald Tawzer, T.H. Tawzer, Jr., Glynn Tawzer, and Harold Tawzer; and two sisters, Elizabeth McBrayer and Carol McBrayer.
Mr. Tawzer is survived by two daughters and sons-in-laws, Jan (Ricky) Williford and Rhonda (Greg) Hill, all of Tifton; one son and daughter-in-law, Carl (Melissa) Tawzer of Tifton; six grandchildren and their spouses, Carlie (Dustin) Middleton, Steven (Sherry) Williford, Kevin Williford, Dustin Holder, Bryant (Liz) Hill and Brandi (Bill) Kaufman; five great-grandchildren, Addi Holloway, Harper Kaufman, Sadie Hill, Hadley Kaufman and Isaiah Hill; one brother, Harmon (Juanita) Tawzer of Tifton; and one sister, Ruth Hall, of Tifton.
Mr. Tawzer was a lifelong farmer, beginning with growing tobacco, moving to watermelons, cantaloupes, tomatoes, and green beans, eventually turning to peanuts, corn, and cotton. He took great pride in his work, and farming alongside his son and grandson in Tift, Irwin, and Berrien counties. He had two special nephews, Don Tawzer and Johnny Tawzer, that helped him in farming through the years. Farming was his life and there was nothing else he would rather do. Farming created families for life. For many years, he and farmers Jimmie Norman (his brother-in-law), Tommy Mullis, and H.C. Davis all helped each other “get their crops out” at the end of the year. They worked together like a specialized precision team picking peanuts and cotton. They were great at their job, even through the equipment breakdowns, they managed to pick at each other, joking and laughing to keep up their spirits through the hard work. For years, his day started at a popular local breakfast spot, followed by a visit to Jack Fletcher Limestone where tall tales and knee-deep discussions were a daily occurrence that he loved. His morning crew included Jack Fletcher, Virgil Fletcher, Austin Coarsey, Claude Hill, John Thornhill, and Sammy Stone. He loved Jack Fletcher as his second father. Mr. Tawzer loved to grill and was well-known for his “Coy’s Sauce”. His recipe was handed down to his children who will continue to honor his secret sauce. He loved it best when his family and friends came for cookouts at his pond house. In his younger days, he was quite the natural athlete. He loved all sports, especially baseball. He played in the Tri-County Adult Baseball League and was an All-Star Catcher. He played with Wayside Baptist’s softball team for years. He loved fishing and hunting birds with Cliff Domingue, Harvey Kendricks, Melvin Johnson, Wendell Roberson, and Jack Fletcher. He raised quail and loved to release them in the woods. Watching a covey take flight was special to him. His grandsons recall him sitting at his farm shop for hours whistling for quail in the woods, and the quail returning his whistle. In his later years, Gen-Earl’s Store became his breakfast spot. There was a morning breakfast crew that he loved to entertain with his very tall tales. Most recently, with “the boys” truly handling most of the farming, after breakfast at the store, throughout his day, he did a mid-morning store check-in, lunch at the store, mid-afternoon store check-in, and evening store check-in. Needless to say, Gen-Earl’s was in good hands. He was a member of Wayside Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as song leader for many years. He was active in building projects at the church and received awards for his volunteerism in many building projects. Of all the notable things about “Coy”, his love for family and friends was unmatched. He and his wife, Carolyn, spent 61 years working side-by-side to build their family and farm operation, in which none of it could have been accomplished without her. He raised his children to understand the meaning and importance of hard work. They worked in the fields alongside him. These were not paid positions. They received the old “ food on the table, clothes on your back” speech. It was not open for discussion. Then came the grandkids. Times changed quickly. They were not allowed to work in the fields, because they might step on a snake, or get run over by a tractor, or this, or that. The weather was too hot or too cold, or they were too tired. They could ride the tractor with him or Granny. He didn’t want to overwork them. He loved those grandkids and would do anything for them. He always loved a baby! Just like he always gave everyone a nickname, he, too, had a few names – Pittman, Little Buddy, Widetracks, but among all of them, his most cherished was “Pa”.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude for the excellent care and service provided by caregivers Mrs. Linda, Angela, Faye, Sharon, Cynthia, and Alfrieda. These ladies were truly a blessing straight from God, and such an important part of Daddy being able to finish his journey at home.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts may be made to Wayside Missionary Baptist Church, 520 Georgia Highway 125 South, Tifton, GA 31794.