Giles Victor Fowler, Jr.

The life journey of Giles Victor Fowler, Jr. ended on Monday, January 15, 2018 - the culmination of 90 years filled with faith, family and service.  A life-long resident of Erwin, Vic (as he was known to many) enjoyed his family time, work life and service to his community and church.

Vic was the oldest, longest-attending member of the Erwin United Methodist Church where he held various offices through the years and served as historian.  He loved his church family and attended regularly until his failing health prevented.  His last Sunday present, December 17 was the day before his 70th wedding anniversary.  Even when unable to be there physically, he remained abreast of activities through careful reading of each week's bulletin.

He served in the U.S. Navy holding the position of pharmacist mate, the equivalent of a licensed practical nurse.  Vic was proud of his service and loved his country.

Work life began with time at Erwin Mills in the payroll department.  He joined Johnson Cotton Company in early 1957 as traffic manager and was educated as a cotton classer after which he became a qualified cotton merchant.  When Johnson Cotton Company was sold he remained with the buyout group until 1975.  He completed his work career at Perry 

Brothers Tire Service, retiring in 1992. Vic made many wonderful friendships during his career and particularly enjoyed his relationship with Paul Perry.

Community service was important to Vic as he lived by the Bible verse. to whom much is given much is expected.  He helped the "Heritage of Harnett" compilation get published and was an avid supporter of the Erwin Historical Society.  Many called on Vic to help fill in memory gaps as he could recount historical events with great clarity up to the end of his life.

One of his most fulfilling community service activities came as a member of the board of directors at Good Hope Hospital.  He was completely engaged in the fight to save the hospital and was heartbroken when that valiant effort failed.  Perhaps it is fitting that he passed away at the Harnett Health facility in Lillington which ultimately became the "new" hospital for the county.

Among the various recognitions he received were the Melvin Jones Fellow award by the Lions Club International Foundation, Erwin's Man of the Year and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine presented to him by friend, Mayor Oscar N. Harris.  A recent feature article in The Daily Record greatly touched both Vic and his wife Peggy.

Vic loved sports and enjoyed officiating football and basketball games in his younger years.  He also coached several little league teams (including his granddaughter Amanda's softball team), enjoyed riding motorcycles and learned to pilot an airplane under the tutelage of Keith Finch at the Erwin air strip.

Born November 27, 1927, to Giles Victor Fowler, Sr. and Ludie Holland Fowler, Vic was the 3rd of their 4 surviving children.  The love that he and his siblings had for each other was very special and he missed each of them as he was the last of the Fowler siblings to depart this life.

Family was Vic's greatest treasure and crowning accomplishment.  He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Peggy Brown Fowler, daughter Phyllis Dunn and husband Ben who lovingly held his hand as he took his last breath, son Giles Fowler and wife Regina.  Four grandchildren, Joe and Chellie Dunn, Amanda Dunn, Brian Fowler and Christal Adkins and Chris adored their granddaddy (referred to as Bic frequently).  His four great grandchildren, Lily and Cooper Dunn and Luke and Melody Adkins called him boy great. Step-grandchildren Bryan Chisenhall (Heather, Liam and Schulyer) and Joshua Johnson.   He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and one special sister-in-law, Patricia (Goody) Brown Whitman.

Vic will be forever missed by his family who will celebrate his life on Saturday, January 20th, 2018 with visitation at the Erwin United Methodist Church Family Life Center at 10:00 a.m. and worship service in the sanctuary at 11:00 conducted by Reverend Don Mitchell who serves this family beautifully as pastor and friend.  Arrangements have been provided by West and Dunn Funeral Home of Erwin. 

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Erwin United Methodist Church memorial fund at 600 Denim Drive Erwin NC 28339.

God abundantly blessed Giles Victor Fowler with the love of family and friends alike.  He will be forever missed.

Services have been entrusted to West and Dunn Funeral Home of Erwin

Condolences can be made to www.westanddunn.com

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