Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

April 17, 2023

CHARLOTTE – William “Bill” Fowler Jr., 80, passed away at Harris Hospice Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center on Monday, April 17, 2023.  Bill grew up in Charlotte, son of William and Catherine Fowler.  

Bill’s life was filled with love and caring for others.  He owned an office supply and furniture store, Fowler’s Pound and Moore, for more than forty years and had a building named in his honor—The Fowler Building.  He graduated high school from East Mecklenburg and UNC-Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business.  Bill worked tirelessly for the Optimist International organization for years, recruiting new members and helping to make better the lives of those less fortunate.  He served as club president, governor, and vice president for Optimist International.  Bill attained recognition and received the International President’s Award and received recognition for being the Most Outstanding Governor of North Carolina.  He served on various committees for over forty years.  

Bill’s loving, generous nature led to numerous long-term friendships.  He was quick to volunteer to help others and embodied the spirit of “the more the merrier.”  His hobbies included going to the beach, trying new restaurants, telling stories and spending time with friends and family.  He loved going to Charlotte Hornets and UNC Tarheels basketball games, taking much pride in teaching his daughters Pro Basketball stats.  

Dementia took away some of his later memories, but his life was a testament of a good and faithful man who made this world a far better place for his being in it. 

Bill is survived by his wife, Ginny of twenty-seven years; children, Kelly Lamb and her husband, David; Amy Johnson and her husband, Scott; stepson, James Brian Garges and his wife, Harmony; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are his two brothers, Martin and John.  He was predeceased by his first wife, Becky and sister, Barbara Russell.  

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Providence United Methodist Church.  The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

Memorials may be offered in memory of Bill to Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina, 400 Flemington Drive, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450 or Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.