John R. Fowler's Obituary
Mr. John R. Fowler, 69, of Memphis, TN died Tuesday, July 19 with his family by his side.
John was born November 26, 1952 in Memphis, TN. A lifelong Memphian, John attended Oakhaven Elementary, Middle, and High School and graduated from Memphis State in 1970. He began a career with the Shelby County Health Department, but his true passion was photography. John started his own professional photography business which he owned for over 30 years. He was the official photographer for the Al Chymia Shrine, Scottish Rite, Order of the Eastern Star as well as various theatres, churches, and community groups.
John was a member of the Oakville Masonic Lodge for 45 years, attaining the status of Worshipful Master in 1984 and again in 2014. He was also a member of the Al Chymia Shrine for 35 years where he was a past president, vice president, and driver for the hospital staff. He held the rank of 32 degree with the Scottish Rite, where he was a member for 35 years.
John never knew a stranger and brought joy to everyone he met. A child at heart himself, one of his greatest joys was bringing happiness to children. Embracing his beard and white hair at a young age, he took on the role of Santa Claus. Even without his Santa outfit, children were drawn to him in public places. With a passion for aircraft and flight, he loved Star Trek and, in true Trekkie fashion, he often wore his custom Captain’s uniform (which was the only time you could find him not sporting suspenders). Other than “Guess what?”, his most frequent question was “Did you get a good deal?”, and he was always willing to help you find one. In general, John was always willing to help others, and greatly enjoyed the fellowship that came with being selfless.
John is preceded in death by his mother, Loraine, and father, Riley. He is survived by a sister, Wanda, brother, Riley Jr., daughters, Amy and Megan, and one grandchild, Charlotte.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 25 starting at 1PM at Memorial Park Funeral Home (5668 Poplar Ave. Services, Memphis, TN), with the Eastern Star Funeral Ceremony and the Masonic Funeral Service from 130-2PM, and the spiritual funeral service and friends and family remembrances from 2-3PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations could be sent to any of the following charities:
Oakville Masonic Charity Fund (John Fowler donation)
ATTN: Jerry Groh
4733 Winchester Rd
Memphis, TN 38118
Oakville Eastern Star Charity Fund (John Fowler donation)
ATTN : Nonner Pugh
4733 Winchester Rd
Memphis, TN 38118
Al Chymia Hospital Transportation Fund (John Fowler donation)
5770 Shelby Oaks Dr
Memphis, TN 38134
To view the service online, please click on the link below;
http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/76485
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