Terrel Allen Fowler (78) of Covington, GA passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon, July 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a relatively short, but hard-fought bout with cancer.

Terry was a devoted son, husband, dad, “Grandaddy,” brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend to all. A lover of family, America, aviation, mechanics, music, videography, and travel, Terry was never at a loss for an adventure. His effervescent smile lit up every room he entered and had a way of warming the air. He seemed to be the master of creating and managing time, as he was in supportive attendance for countless events, always cheering on family members’ endeavors with a camera in hand and a heart-filled grin that stretched ear-to-ear.

A native of Hapeville and 1966 graduate of Hapeville High School, Terry married his high school sweetheart, Jeanne Barnett, in 1968. It was love at first sight for the young couple who were just 16 and 19 when Terry invited Jeanne to accompany him to the military ball. The couple married two years after that first date, later welcoming three children, Jason, Chad, and Cara, and made their home for many years in Morrow, Georgia.

Terry loved his country and enlisted to serve in the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic in 1966. He was stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged from the US Military after having received numerous medals for his service, including The Vietnam Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and The Air Force Good Conduct Medal.

In 1978, Terry began working as an aircraft mechanic for Southern Airways, which later became Northwest Airlines. Terry retired from NWA after 27 years of dedicated service. A valuable and knowledgeable skilled mechanic, Terry went back to the hangars as a contractor and worked with Jett Pro Line Maintenance for 15 years after retirement.

While Terry was tremendously talented mechanically, he was also gifted musically and sang from the time he was young as a soloist in his high school choir, playing the lead role in the high school musical, and singing at family gatherings, weddings, and church services. In recent years, he frequently sang at lake church services at Jackson Lake. Terry was always willing to entertain a crowd with his rich, tenor voice and perennially sincere and laid-back humor.

Mr. Fowler is predeceased by his parents, Glenn L. Fowler and Martha J. Fowler of Jonesboro; sister Donna J. Lumpkin of Forest Park; and brother F. Michael Fowler of Jonesboro. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Jeanne Barnett Fowler; sons Jason Fowler (Tiffany) of Port Orange, FL, and Chad Fowler (Sheila) of McCaysville; daughter Cara F. Shapard (John) of Griffin; grandchildren Lane Fowler of Birmingham, AL, Maddox Fowler of Franklin, TN, Bryce Fowler of McCaysville, Townes Shapard of Griffin, Sophie Shapard of Griffin, Asher Fowler of Port Orange, FL, and Phoenix Fowler of Port Orange, FL; sister Carol F. Benson of Baton Rouge, LA; brother Dr. Chris Fowler (Joy) of Jesup; aunt Shirley G. Demarest (Jack) of Marietta; and dozens of beloved nephews, nieces, and cousins who grew up more like siblings and are closely cherished.

The family would like to thank Southern Grace Hospice and the Jackson Lake community for their outpouring of support. While we grieve this tremendous loss, we do not grieve as those who have no hope. We know that we will be reunited with Terry in eternity in the presence of our Savior Jesus Christ, in whom Terry placed his trust.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church (14550 US-19, Griffin) with Pastor Scott Kirschner of Port Orange, FL, and the Honorable Matthew D. McCord officiating. Visitation will be at 11:30 A.M. at the church. Interment will be held at Georgia Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery (2617 Vinson Highway, Milledgeville) at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, July 14.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Southern Grace Hospice (80 Candler Road, McDonough), DIGS, Inc. (P.O. Box 1053, Rome), or St. George Episcopal School (103 Birch St, Milner).

Ford-Stewart Funeral Home of Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation
JUL 12. 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM (ET)
Mt. Gilead Baptist Church
14550 Hwy 19
Griffin, GA 30224

Funeral Service
JUL 12. 1:00 PM (ET)
Mt. Gilead Baptist Church
14550 Hwy 19
Griffin, GA 30224

Interment
JUL 14. 1:00 PM (ET)
Georgia Veteran's Memorial Cemetery
2617 Vinson Highway SE
Milledgeville, GA 31061

Dedicated to Friends, Past and Present

Obituary​

Terrel  "Terry" Allen Fowler
March 7, 1947 - July 3, 2025