Mr. Austin Leonard Fowler, age 91 of Fairmount, Georgia, departed this life Saturday, December 20, 2014 at Cartersville Medical Center after several years of declining health. In dying as in life, he was surrounded by family. He was born January 26, 1923 in Bartow County to the late Charlie Thomas Fowler and Edith Woodall Fowler. He was proceeded in death by wife Mary Bonnell Woodward Fowler, brothers; Vernon Fowler and Allen Fowler, sisters; Lonena Davis, Estelle Fowler, Eunice Hogue., Lois DeFoor, and Nellie Fowler, sister-in-law; Mae Wehunt. He served his country proudly during WWII as part of the Blue Devils 88thInfantry in the Italian campaign.

He is survived by his daughter Patsy and Billy Parker of Adairsville, GA., sons; Michael and Kim Fowler and Gary Fowler all of Fairmount, GA, grandchildren; Kathy and James Adams, David and Heather Parker, Amanda and Kevin King, Emily Ceballos, great-grandchildren; Patrick and Samantha Adams, Tristen Parker, Abigail and Kaleb King, Lucas and Isaac Ceballos.

Mr. Fowler grew up in a rural family and continued to farm during the early years of his marriage. He also worked at Gene Lacey Feed Mill, E.D. Lacey Carpet Mills, and retired from Shaw Industries, Cartersville. After retirement, he raised beef cattle. Austin loved gardening and throughout his life was often found on his tractor. As his family grew, he treasured his 4 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. All were especially close to "PawPaw". His family was his life.

He was a member of Salacoa Baptist Church and over the years led the singing there and at Grace Baptist Church, Faimount. Early in their marriage he and Bonnell sang gospel songs on a radio station and at numerous churches and were active in singing schools throughout the area.

With the exception of 2 years' service in the army Austin lived within mile of where he was born and grew up.

The service to celebrate the life of Mr. Austin Leonard Fowler, will be held Tuesday December 23, 2014 at 1:00 p.m., from the Ponders Fairmount Chapel with the Reverend Wesley Hunt and Rev. Wayne Fowler officiating. He will be laid to rest with military rites at Salacoa Baptist Church Cemetery in Cherokee County, GA, with Kevin King, David Parker, Randy DeFoor, David Shaw, Ricky Woodward, Preston Fowler and Jonathan Woodward serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Fairmount Chapel, Monday December 22, 2014 from 5:00 p.m til 9:00 p.m and from 11:00 a.m Tuesday until time of the service.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.pondersfuneralhome.com.