George Wyatt Fowler, 1900-1989

On August 3, 1989, the angel of mercy called from labor to reward the Rev. George Wyatt Fowler. He was the eighth of 14 children born in Campbell County, Virginia, July 28, 1900, to the late George Wyatt Fowler, Sr. and the late Hattie Smith Fowler.

He was educated in Campbell County public schools and afterward, for many years, worked as a farmer. During his young years, George met Emma Jean Vaughan in Lawyers, Virginia. In the summer of 1921, the courtship culminated in marriage. To this union was born nine children -- five boys and four girls.

George had professed a belief in Christ at an early age and, as a member of New London Methodist Church, was a faithful church worker. But God had a more divine purpose for his life. In 1948, he was called by God to carry His Word. During the course of his ministry, which spanned from 1949 to 1979, he pastored the following United Methodist churches: New Chapel, Sandy Level, Ridgeway, Jasper, Mt. Airy, Hale's Ford, Mt. Zion and Bethany-Ebenezer. These included the Leesville-Pittsville Charge.

Wherever he served as pastor and leader, the congregation always enjoyed spiritual growth. He was affiliated with the Virginia conference, and in 1973 at the age of 73, retired. However, still wanting to be of service to the church and his Master, he continued to preach when called upon. Even after his retirement, he was described by a colleague as "still going strong as a spiritual giant of these congregations."

George loved God and dedicated his life and talents to His service. The church was his life. Even in the throes of a painful illness, his most fervent wish was to be with the Lord he so dearly loved.

At last, hearing his plea, God sent his angel to claim George as his own. On August 7, 1989, funeral services were conducted by longtime friend, the Rev. Godfrey Tate, with interment in the Fowler family cemetery.

"One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and inquire in his temple" (Psalm 27:4).

-Janet Lomax and Patricia Reed
Granddaughters Reed