James Curtis Fowler

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of James Curtis Fowler, known to family and friends as Curtis, on February 24, 2025.

Born on July 5, 1936, at Good Hope Hospital to James Franklin Fowler and Ida Bass Fowler, Curtis grew up in Erwin, North Carolina, where he built a life rooted in hard work, integrity, and devotion to family.

A graduate of Erwin High School’s Class of 1955, Curtis soon found his greatest blessing—his wife, Carolyn Jones. The two were married on February 23, 1957, and shared 68 years of love and partnership. Their life together was filled with dedication, resilience, and countless cherished moments.

Curtis spent his career with the Public Works Commission of the City of Fayetteville, where he started as a lineman in the Electrical Division. He transitioned to the Water Division to take on increasing responsibility, working as head of the meter shop where over the years he became involved in the State Waterworks Association. During his time there, he taught classes at the metering school to improve best practices across the industry. His work with meters developed into a side business where he worked with municipalities across the region to test their meters. He spent the latter part of his career as Superintendent of Water Sewer Construction. After decades of service, he retired in 1999, leaving behind a career marked by professionalism and respect.

Outside of work, Curtis found joy in the outdoors. What started as a simple pony for his son, Steve, became a lifelong passion for horseback riding. He spent many years camping and riding with family and friends and was active in the 4-H horse program, mentoring young riders. Curtis also enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially along the North Carolina coast, where he and his brother Leon shared countless good times. Some of his fondest memories were summers spent with his grandsons, Zach and Logan, at the family’s White Lake cottage, where they spent days on the boat and nights sharing stories.

Faith played an important role in Curtis’s life. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Erwin, where he served on the Board of Directors, including several years as Chairman. His church family was a source of strength, and he deeply valued his relationship with Pastors Thomas and Meagan Greene.

Curtis is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn; his son, Steve, and daughter-in-law, Kathy; his grandsons, Zach and Logan, along with Logan’s wife, Julia. He will also be missed by his sister-in-law, Tonda Fowler; nephew, Lee Fowler; niece, Dawn Fowler, and her children, Christopher Black and family, and Rachel Barnes. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Sharon Harris; brother-in-law, Bill Harris; nephew, Tim Harris; and nephew, Dan Harris, along with his wife, Jill, and their children, Ayden and Solomon Harris.

Visitation will be on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 1pm at the First Baptist Church in Erwin.  Funeral service will be at 2pm with burial immediately after at Erwin Memorial Park cemetery.

Curtis’s life was built on hard work, loyalty, and love for his family. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched, and he will be remembered always.

Dunn Funeral Home of Erwin is honored to serve the James Curtis Fowler family.

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