Billy Wayne Fowler, 83, of Opelika, Alabama, passed away Jan. 10, 2023, after several years of declining health. Wayne was born in LaGrange, Georgia, to the late Grady Fowler and Geneva Williams Fowler and was preceded in death by his siblings, Delma Fowler and Marion June Fowler. He was a proud member of the 1957 LaGrange High School state football championship team and enjoyed attending high school reunions with his buddies. Wayne also proudly served in the National Guard before beginning a successful career in the banking industry.
Wayne fulfilled many roles throughout his life, most notably as a loving daddy to his three daughters, Lainie (Tom) Hall, Lisa (Jason) Nichols and Leslie (James) Dixon. He was a loving husband to his wife, Vivian, and a doting Papa to his seven wonderful grandchildren, Will (Olivia) Hall, Becca Jane Hall, Jackson Hall, Sam Nichols, Jake Nichols, Abe Nichols and Ben Dixon.
Wayne was a dedicated community leader, having served as a longtime member and former president of the Opelika Lions Club, as well as a member of the Opelika High School Band Boosters. He spent most of the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s shuttling his three girls around to attend their various extracurricular activities while working at Farmers National Bank. He and Vivian also enjoyed traveling with their longtime friends, Ted and Mary Wade. After his retirement, he and Vivian enjoyed their time renovating homes in Opelika and traveling to visit their grandchildren. Wayne loved Auburn football and the Atlanta Braves. He was a good man, an extraordinarily good man, and served as an example of how to love and support his family and friends unconditionally.
Wayne’s family hosted visitation at Frederick Dean Funeral Home in Opelika on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, from 3 to 5 p.m. CST.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home handled all arrangements.
