DL Capt Harold Wayne Cousar - 87

          ~~ In Memory ~~ 

DL Capt Harold Wayne Cousar, 87

DOB  3-Mar-1937 

DOH    16-Nov-1964.

DOD - 08-04-2024

I wish to thank DL Capt Brad Cousar (Wayne's son) for forwarding the sad news of Wayne's Flight West.  

Obituary-Harold Wayne Cousar

Beaufort- Harold Wayne Cousar, 87, husband of Gladys Gamble Cousar, died peacefully Sunday, August 4, 2024, at his residence.

Born in Sardinia, South Carolina, Wayne was the younger of the two sons born to the late Nelson Rudolph Cousar and Ruth Durden Cousar. He was predeceased by his older brother William Douglas Cousar. His early years were joyful, filled with wonderful childhood friends, camping adventures on the hill of the Black River, summers at Camp Harmony where he transitioned from camper to counselor, selling boiled peanuts for 10 cents a bag at the nearby tobacco market, and memorable family trips to the mountains of North Carolina. Wayne graduated from East Clarendon High School, where he was involved in many school activities, including band, football, and Beta Club.

For his freshman year, Wayne attended Presbyterian College before transferring to the University of South Carolina, where he completed his college career. He loved his college years, his Gamecocks, and his Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, where he served as an officer. Wayne graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and a minor in Air Science through the ROTC program. He also served as the ROTC Arnold Air Society Commander. Most notably, while in Columbia, Wayne met and later married his wife of 65 years, Gladys Gamble. Upon graduation, Wayne received his commission as a second lieutenant in the US Air Force (USAF); and he and Gladys set off to flight training. He served as a pilot in the USAF for five years, which included a deployment to Vietnam, where he was awarded two Air Medals.

In 1964, Wayne began his much loved 32-year flying career with Delta Airlines. In addition to flying the line, he also served in the Training Department as an Instructor and in the Flight Standards Department as a Line Check Airman on the B-727, DC-8, and L-1011.  Another highlight of his time with Delta was his involvement in a Delta marketing campaign. He was honored to be featured in national print and TV ads, as well as on billboards around the country. His last ten years with Delta were spent as an international captain on the L-1011, the largest aircraft in the Delta fleet at the time. Wayne retired on a final flight to Barcelona, Spain, with all of his family and many close friends on board.

Wayne, Gladys, and their two children, Gamble and Brad, called the Atlanta area home during Wayne’s career years. While there, he was a member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher, a youth leader with his wife Gladys, a Deacon, and a church Elder. After his retirement from Delta in 1997, Wayne and Gladys moved to Beaufort, South Carolina, where they were excited to begin their golden years. In Beaufort, Wayne was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder and organized the first Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans service to be held there. Wayne and Gladys eventually moved their membership to St. Helena Anglican Church, where he served as a Docent, Usher, and as a member of the Vestry. Wayne was a man of strong faith, and he lived as he died, a Christian.

Wayne was also a committed member of the Beaufort community. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, where he served as both president of the local chapter and as state president, a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a founding member of the St. Andrew’s Society of the Lowcountry South Carolina, and a member and president of the Rotary Club of Beaufort and a Paul Harris Fellow. In Charleston he was a member of the St. David’s Society and the Society of Colonial Wars in the State of South Carolina.

Wayne will most be remembered for his love and commitment to family and friends. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a loyal friend. Summers were spent at his beloved lake house, where he and Gladys often spent time with family, hosted extended family reunions, and entertained friends. Wayne greatly enjoyed boating and spent many hours on the water teaching the younger generations to water ski. He was also the founder of the annual Eagle Point Fourth of July Parade, which celebrated its 25th year this past July. The ultimate handyman, Wayne enjoyed working on his home and in his yard, and he loved to whistle - all traits he passed along to his children and grandchildren. Wayne and “his bride” could tear up the dance floor shagging to their favorite beach tunes. Additionally, they loved to travel and did so often with family and many special friends. Wayne loved life and lived it to its fullest.

Wayne is survived by his wife Gladys Gamble Cousar; daughter Gamble Cousar Ouzts (Allen) of Charleston, South Carolina, son Bradford Wayne Cousar (Hannah) of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren Gamble Augusta Ouzts, Elizabeth Caston Ouzts, Olivia Gamble Cousar, and Bradford Clegg Cousar.

A graveside service will be held at the Sardinia-Gable Cemetery, 1375 Leon McFadden Road, Gable, South Carolina, on Monday, August 12 at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow at the Sardinia Presbyterian Church. A memorial service will be held at St. Helena Anglican Church, Beaufort, South Carolina, on Wednesday, August 14 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow. Arrangements were made by Stephen’s Funeral Home, Manning, South Carolina.

The family would like to thank Emerson Care and Friends of Caroline Hospice for their excellent care and wonderful support. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Helena Anglican Church, P.O. Box 1043 Beaufort, South Carolina 29901 or The Sardinia Presbyterian Church, 1386 Garland Road, New Zion, South Carolina 29111.

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To the family of Wayne Cousar.    I feel the need to write, though you have no idea who I  am. Wayne and I were in the same Delta class Nov 15, 1964. Some of the high ranking military aviators considered it below their dignity to be in the same class  as us so called general aviation pilots, there were only three of us. Not Wayne. He was always kind and helpful to us and I considered him my friend. We only rarely saw each other again in our years with Delta. but when we did it  was always a fond reunion. Fond memories of my friend Wayne and wishes  of consolation to his family whom I never met. 

Bernd Ulken