Earl Lee ("Jake"; "J.R"). Fowler, Jr.

Mr. Earl Lee Fowler, Jr., also known as either "Jake" or "J.R.",  75, of Halifax died Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Vidant North Hospital in Roanoke Rapids.

Earl was born in Marion, SC on February 14, 1946.  His parents were Earl Lee Fowler, Sr. and Dorothy Johnson Fowler, both of whom preceded him in death.  His first wife, Darlene Faye Fowler; ,a daughter, Dorothy Lee Fowler; and a son-in-law, Raymond Anthony LaChance,  also preceded him in death.

Earl retired from the Army after 23 years of active duty. Among his many tours of duty, he served 3 tours in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, 2 tours in Germany and a tour in Korea. After his military retirement, he worked briefly for the City of Roanoke Rapids and then went to work for NCDOT, from where he also retired. He found so much pride in all of his career accomplishments.

Earl had a love for speed and enjoyed his fast cars and motorcycles. He loved the great outdoors and fishing, especially early morning mountain fishing. One of Earl’s greatest passions was to cook. He was an award winning cook in many pig-cooking competitions. He loved to cook for anyone, anytime, for any reason. He also enjoyed sharing his love for cooking with Layla, showing her around the kitchen.

He is survived by his wife, Paige M. Fowler; son, David Fowler and wife Amy; daughter, Jeanne Johnson and husband, Chris; step-daughter, Layla Porter; brother, W.A. Fowler; and grandchildren, Amanda LaChance, Heather LaChance, Katie Fowler and Jacob Fowler.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 pm Friday, October 1, 2021 at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, October 2, 2021 in the funeral home chapel. Interment, with military honors, will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.  Pastor Tim Jones will preside.

The online guest register may be signed at hockadayfs.com

Arrangements for Mr. Fowler are under the care of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.