James Otis “Jug” Fowler Sr. of Cooleemee died on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018, at his residence following a brief illness.

He was born Oct. 13, 1936 in Davie County, son of the late Samuel and Willie Mae Neely Fowler. He attended Davie County Schools. At an early age he joined Friendship Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.  He was twice married.  His first wife was Clara Mae Pruitt. To this union seven children were born. Later he married Rachel B. Brock and to this union he gained many sons and daughters. As a patriarch, he led his family with a strong, yet gentle hand. He was a mighty force who taught his children about hard work through his example. After 29½ years, he retired from Ingersoll-Rand. For the past seven years, he served at Refuge Community Church, and was a member of the usher board and choir.

In addition to his parents and both wives, he was preceded in death by: a son, Paul Fowler; 2 sisters, Selma Mosley and Virginia Hogue.

Survivors: 2 sons, James O. (Wanda) Fowler Jr., and Mark (Tammy) Fowler; 4 daughters, Brenda (Gary) Withers, Carol Fowler, Jeanette (Benjamin Sr.) Johnson, and Selenea (Pastor Rodney) Barker; a brother, Anslo (Frances) Fowler; a sister, Everline Patterson; step-children, Minnie Carter, Georgia Dalton, Rose Brock, Elizabeth Martinez, and George Brock Jr.; a dear friend, Clyde Scott; his caring neighbor, Lisa Hairston; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

His funeral service was held on Sunday, Aug. 26 at 3 p.m. at Jerusalem Baptist Church in Mocksville. The family received friends at the church one hour before the service. Burial followed in Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery.

Condolences: www.GrahamFuneralHome.net.