William Arthur "Buddy" Fowler, Jr.

Funeral Services celebrating the life of Mr. William Arthur Fowler, Jr. “Buddy”, 69, of Baskin, LA, will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at Mulhearn Funeral Home in West Monroe, Louisiana, with Rev. Francis Guy and Rev. Ron Hollingsworth officiating. Visitation will be held immediately prior to the service, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at Mulhearn Funeral Home.

Buddy was born October 8, 1953, in Monroe, Louisiana.  After doctors discovered a brain tumor larger than a golf ball in Glenwood Hospital, Buddy was flown to St. David’s in Austin, Texas, where he was diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM).  He quickly underwent brain surgery but suffered a stroke on his right side in addition to other complications. Buddy passed on November 17, 2022, in Austin, Texas, less than a month after the tumor was discovered.

Buddy is preceded in death by his parents, William Arthur Fowler, Sr. and Annie Mae Carter Fowler; his father-in-law, Truman Ray Wright; and sister, Betty Fowler Parker.

Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Shirley Gail Wright Fowler.  His children, Melissa Donyail Easterling and husband Brandon of Ft. Necessity, LA, Donald Willis Brantley, III “Trey” and wife Helen of Leander, TX, Amy Leanne Edds and husband Ben of Brandon, MS, and William Andrew Douglas Fowler “Drew” of Birmingham, AL.; grandchildren, Davin Blake Cook, Isabell Grace Brantley “Izzie”, Lucas Truman Brantley, Christopher Wyatt Tucker, Shelby Lynn Tucker, and Cameron Lee Easterling; honorary granddaughter, Samantha Hillman “Sam”; sister, Barbara Ann Albritton; mother-in-law, Mary Lee Wright; brother-in-law; Shane Wright; nieces, Jessica Lynn Wright and Nancy Braswell; nephews; Jason Rodgers and wife Kandis, and Jonathan Parker; great niece, Carla Strokes Woods; and great-great nephew, Shawn Woods and wife, Hanna Woods.  He leaves behind numerous aunts, cousins, and friends.

When he was three, Buddy moved from West Monroe, LA to Extension, LA, where all families of Tennessee Gas employees lived in a secluded neighborhood.  This was an idyllic childhood setting.  Neighborhood cookouts, sports, and outdoor play forged lifelong friendships. After living in Isola, MS, from 1958-1961, Buddy returned to Extension to “mess around” with his pals, read comic books, and attend church. Buddy also developed his love of sports during this period of his life, excelling in both baseball and basketball alongside friends he forever treasured. 

Buddy was taken to church by his sister Barbara at a young age.  After his baptism at the age of 15 in Ft. Necessity Baptist Church, Buddy’s parents began going to church with him and were later saved.

Buddy and Gail’s favorite time of the day was enjoying their first cup of coffee together and doing their Bible study.  After Gail went to help her Mom, they still studied the same scripture daily and followed up with phone discussions about their study.  Not only did this strengthen their spiritual beliefs but also their love for each other.

After graduating from Ft. Necessity High School in 1972, Buddy attended the University of LA in Monroe, LA for one year.  There Buddy met a group of guys that have remained best friends throughout the remainder of his life.

He worked for Tennessee Gas and later Motion Industry in West Monroe, LA, before joining the Northeast LA Power Co-op.  He worked there from July 1979 through May 2009.

Gail and Buddy were introduced by a mutual friend, Bruce Davidson.  A sunset wedding on the beautiful Ouachita River on top of a friend’s houseboat was only fitting due to their love of water and nature.  The Ouachita River and Lake Claiborne were their happy places.  The awesome wonder of God’s handiwork was always a precious gift that brought them joy.

Gail was the love of his life and his best friend.  His children and grandchildren were loved and adored by him.  He leaves a legacy of what it means to be a Christian husband, father, grandfather, and true friend.  He will be missed forever.