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FRANKLIN – Burley McCoy Fowler, 85, passed away on Aug. 23, 2024 in Courtland Health and Rehabilitation Center. Born in Southampton County, he was a son of the late Burley Robert “B.R.” Fowler and Helen Britt Fowler. He was also predeceased by a brother, Robert Clifton “Bobby” Fowler; sister-in-law, Kay Munford Fowler; and a brother-in-law, Warren Cabell Bridges.

McCoy was a member of the first Southampton High School graduating class of 1956 and graduated with honors. He began to work on the family farm but ventured out to the city for a job at Union Camp for a while. Soon after, he began his service station career working for Mutt Cutchins. In 1963 McCoy became the owner/operator of Franklin BP 76′. He employed many fellows throughout the years that meant a lot to him, David “Shoebox” Joyner working with him since the age of 12 throughout the years and Bubba Carr joining him at his side in 1981 to be his right hand “Man.” McCoy held pride going to the station everyday pumping gas, talking to the customers and lending a helping hand. In 1999 McCoy retired and handed the keys over to Bubba but he remained a huge part of the day-to-day activities. As his health failed Bubba continued to pick him up daily and carry him to the station until earlier this year.

McCoy was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed his self-made farm on Route 189. He loved gardening, his animals and along with his wife, hosted many family, holiday and birthday gatherings. McCoy never knew a stranger and was a friend to many. He was a lifelong member of Tucker Swamp Baptist Church.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 44 years Carolyn Bradshaw Fowler; a brother Russell Wayne Fowler; a “son” William E. “Bubba” Carr Jr.; two very special nieces, Tracy Dianne Fowler (L.T. Bryant III) and Melissa Ruth Fowler; two great-nieces, RuthAnn Marie Bachelor (Jacob Gray) and Lori Dianne Bachelor; three great-great-nephews Chesson Alan Buhls, Hayden Jayke Bachelor, and Kayson Clyde Bachelor “Pig” due October 2024; and two sisters-in-law, Nancy Bradshaw Bridges and Dianne Bradshaw Fowler; and a special friend, David “Shoebox” Joyner and Lily “Four-Legged Friend.”

Services will be private. The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org