George O. “Buddy” Fowler: Loris
1925 – 2017
George O. “Buddy” Fowler of Loris passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, in Rock Hill. He was 92.
Buddy was born on March 7, 1925 in Loris, the son of the late Harvey Wright Fowler and the late Gwendolyn Louise Fowler. He served his country with courage and honor during WWII in the Army, 134th Infantry Division Company B beginning June 30, 1944 and was honorably discharged on April 26, 1946.
During his military service in Central Europe, he received decoration and citations that include the American Theater Service Medal, EAME service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. After serving in WWII, Buddy returned to the family farm in the Finklea-Green Sea community. In 1947, Buddy and Wilma were married and began their family soon thereafter.
In 1959, Buddy became one of the original eight police officers for the newly created Horry County Police Department and rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming the Chief of Police for a period of time. After 32 years of dedicated service with the Horry County Police Department, he retired at the rank of Captain of Detectives in 1991.
Buddy gave his life to the Lord in 1951 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he was a member. He later moved to the town of Loris and became a longtime member of Loris First Baptist Church. He was also a past member of the Lions Club. Buddy loved his family, community, and work. God’s love was shown through his work and family life as he many times would go out of his way to help family, friends, and strangers in any way that he could. His loving and caring nature touched many of the lives he encountered.
Survivors include his loving wife of 70 years, Wilma Fowler of Loris; two sons, Bryan and wife, Keith of Jefferson City, Tennessee and Mark and wife, Gwen of Fort Mill; five grandchildren, Jason and wife Lynette, Griffin and wife, Lindsey, Sarah, Meredith and husband, Jeremy, and Morgan; two step-grandchildren, Thai and Renan, and four great-grandchildren, Addie, Anderson, Callie and Eli.
In addition to his parents, Buddy was predeceased by his daughter, Barbara Kay Fowler; his two sisters, Estelle Fowler Auld and Gladys L. Fowler and his four brothers, Luther Harvey “L. H.” Fowler, Everette Fowler, Gilbert C. Fowler and Frank M. Fowler.
Family planned to receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, at Hardwick Funeral Home, Loris.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Loris First Baptist Church, 3117 Main Street, Loris, SC 29569 or to Mt. Zion Cemetery Fund, 2610 Mt. Zion Road, Loris, SC 29569.
A guest register is available here.
