Ira Clyo Fowler

Ira Clyo Fowler, age 85, of River Bank Cove, Boone, passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2023.  Ira was born December 15, 1937 in SC to Grover and Bera Godwin Fowler.  He started life in Tabor City, NC and as he grew up, worked alongside his parents and three brothers on the family farm.  Ira’s first public job was at the Red and White Store, the first of many jobs.  He worked for the railroad and as a salesman in a few different industries.  As a second job, he also worked as a projectionist at the drive-in theatre on weekends to help support his growing family.  Ira was a chef for several different restaurants and even owned a few of his own.  He also drove big rigs for several companies, retiring from Goodyear Tire.  One even might say Ira was a Jack of all trades and master of none.
Although he got his start on the coast of North Carolina he moved to the mountains of North Carolina in the early 70’s.  No matter where he may have roamed, he always came back to those beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.  If you ever visited him at his home, you would have spent time on his deck laughing and sharing stories.
Ira gave his love not only to his children, grandchildren and great-grandson but also to nieces, nephews, friends and their children.  He had love to spare for anyone in need and did so with all his heart. The one that held his heart in her paw was his little dog Meg/Nutmeg.  She was his constant companion over the last several years.
After his retirement from Goodyear, he spent some of his time visiting his children in Greenville, South Carolina and Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, and nephews in Tabor City, NC, and time with grandchildren in Boone.  He also visited friends in Boone, mostly to mooch a cup of coffee or a meal but always enjoying their company.  Ira attended Foscoe Christian Church.  

Mr. Fowler is survived by his daughters, Karen Gentry and Cathy Summey, both of Greenville, South Carolina, and sons, Ian Fowler of Sneads Ferry and Ryan Fowler and wife, Elizabeth, of Boone; grandchildren, Amanda Schoemer and husband, Zack and Taylor Summey, all of Greenville, South Carolina, and Lochlan, Griffin and Larkin Fowler, all of Boone; and great-grandson, Carsten Schoemer of Greenville, South Carolina.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Newlin; parents, Grover and Bera Godwin Fowler; and brothers, Albert, LaRue and Velton Fowler.
It was Ira’s wish to be cremated. Celebration of Life services for Ira Fowler will be announced at a later date.
Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Fowler family.  

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