Officer Fowler was born in Jacksonville, Florida and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School.
After high school, he continued his education by attending North Florida Junior College, Mars Hill College in North Carolina and worked at Wolfe Laurel as a cook, as well as attending Furman University in South Carolina.
In November 1979, he joined the J.S.O. where began his career as a Corrections Officer. During his tenure in Corrections, he worked as a cook. He later transitioned to work as a Police Officer in Patrol where he continued to work until he retired in September 2002. Officer Fowler served 22 years with the agency.
After retirement, he worked for the Orange Park Kennel Club and was employed at the poker room until this year when his health became an issue. Officer Fowler was always surrounded by good friends before and during his illness.
Charles was the youngest child with two older sisters, Sheri and Anita. He was a charmer with big brown eyes getting him whatever he wanted. As he aged, he was a people person who never met a stranger. The friends he made along the way lasted a lifetime and many of them showed up in the hospital relating fun-filled stories that filled his room with laughter. Charles never married or had children but he channeled his time and love to his parents, sisters, nieces, and nephews. He cared for his mother for many years throughout her journey with Alzheimer’s and enriched her life with activities the two of them shared. From his hospital bed, Charles said to his sister, Anita, “It’s been a good life.” Friends and family would agree and have stories to prove it.
Charles was predeceased by his parents: Charles and Robbie Fowler and sister, Sheryl Ann Fowler Banks. He is survived by his sister, Anita (Bob) Bailey; 2 nieces: Dina (Robert) Conley and April (Martin) Hager; 3 nephews: Wally (Michelle) Banks, Chris (Kristen) Wilkes and Jason (Randi) Banks; great-nieces and nephews: Sarah Conley, Jacob Conley, Andrew Wilkes, Jenna Wilkes, Nate Banks and Isla Banks; and a host of extended family and friends.
Celebration of Life will be held 11 AM, Saturday, October 21, 2023 at HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL with full honors from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. Visitation will begin one hour prior to services.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.
Condolence cards: Bailey Family, 4842 Hatchers Chapel Rd., Claudville, Va. 24076
