Lt. Col. Wayne N. Fowler, Ret. USMC

Col. Fowler was born in Manchester, GA, the son of Willene Fowler and Donald Fowler. He graduated in 1959 from Manchester High School where he was a Georgia all-star, setting records and lettering in football, basketball, baseball and track. Col. Fowler was the youngest player to participate in a bowl game, playing in the 1959 Tangerine Bowl. He graduated in 1963 from Presbyterian College with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1972 he received his Master degree in business from Georgia State University.

Col. Fowler retired from the Marine Corps with 30 years of service during the administration of four presidents, bravely serving in Vietnam. He received the rifle sharpshooter badge, the pistol sharpshooter badge, the National Defense Service medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Service medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal, the Vietnam service medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal, and the Navy Presidential Unit Citation ribbon.

A formal military service will be held in his honor 1 pm. Friday January 14, 2011 in the chapel of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home with Reverend J. Don Proctor officiating . Interment will follow the service in Oglethorpe Memorial Gardens. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Second Marine Division, the remaining 1959 Tangerine Bowl players, the brothers of Flint Hill Masonic Lodge No. 371, Bobby Doorman, Mel Heflon, Bruce Dixon, Mike Curtis, Dale Ewton, Frank Serafini, Jack Gamel, Gary House, and Art Fowler.

Family will receive friends from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday, January 13, 2011 at Edo Millers and Sons Funeral Home, 3321 Glynn Ave., Brunswick, GA 31520

After leaving active duty from the Marines, he was employed by Pilgrim Food Service, worked on a project developing food packaging for NASA and formed UNISAN Company where he served as President and Director. He also served as Director of Toys for Tots in Atlanta, GA, and he was a past president of the Boys Club of Georgia. In addition he remained a loyal brother to Flint Hill Masonic Lodge No. 371.

Col. Fowler is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Arrington-Fowler, mother, Willene Meadows Fowler of Warm Springs, GA, a sister, Brenda O’Neal (Mark) of Manchester, GA, children, Lisa Gierschner (Mike) of Dallas, GA, Kimberly Fowler of Wausau, FL, D. Barron Fowler of Kennesaw, GA, Jonathan Fowler of Carrollton, GA, and step-son, David M. Arrington of Bristol, TN, grandchildren, Brittany Fowler of Douglasville, GA, Hunter Wayne Dobbs of Wausau, FL, and Michael, Christopher and Katerina Gierschner all of Dallas, GA. He was predeceased by his father, Donald Nelson Fowler.

Col. Fowler will be remembered for his patriotism, pride in his family and lasting friendships. The family appreciates the support of the staff of Heartland Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Coastal Georgia, 4627 US Highway 17 North, Brunswick GA, 31525, or to the 2nd Marine Division, PSC BOX 20003, Camp Lejeune, NC 28542.