Sue Carroll Fowler, age 86, of Knoxville, passed away on August 23, 2021, after a battle with cancer. Born April 8, 1935, Sue was a graduate of South High School, where she was a majorette. Her classmates voted her “Friendliest” and “Most Likely to Succeed.” She worked the box office at the Tennessee Theatre for many years, starting at age 16, and had a front-row seat to many red-carpet premieres. This not only stoked her life-long passion for movies but also put her in sight of a passing KPD motorcycle officer, who was patrolling Gay Street. In 1956, she married that officer, the love of her life, Joe Fowler, and was by his side for 52 years as he went on to a stellar career as KPD Chief of Police, Knox County Sheriff, Tennessee State Warden and U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Tennessee. After raising her two sons, “Joey” and “Jimmy,” Sue went to work at Kitchen Sales, retiring 35 years later at age 75 as human resources manager. A faithful and active member of Colonial Heights United Methodist Church for nearly 60 years, Sue enjoyed attending worship services and the “J. Ray Stuart” Sunday School class and participating in fellowship activities. Over the years, her personal passions (in addition to going to the movies) included boating and skiing, swimming and cookouts, and sitting in the sunshine enjoying a good book or magazine. She will be remembered by her family and friends for her beautiful smile, her ever-sunny disposition, her generosity, and her grace and beauty.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Clyde Fowler Jr. (Joe); her parents, Reford Samuel Carroll and Elsie Graves Carroll Large; her stepfather, Herman T. Large; her brothers Fred Lee Carroll and James Kenneth Carroll; and her sister, Joyce Carroll Estes.
She is survived by her son Joseph Clyde (“Joe”) Fowler III (Audrey) of Seymour, her son James Thomas (“Jim”) Fowler Sr. (Jenny) of Knoxville; her sister Iva Ruth Carroll Underwood (Charles) of Seymour; and six grandchildren: Stephanie Fowler Haynes (Chad and Abby); Jeremy Fowler; Jackie Sue Fowler; Jimmy Fowler Jr.; Marcus Baker; and Madison Baker Cum (Matt, Eleanor and Elizabeth).
The family wishes to extend special thanks to her cherished companions Jim Gibbs and Kent Simpson; her neighbors and dear friends who visited with her often; and the staff and volunteers of Sacred Ground Hospice House.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 30, 2021, at 10 a.m, at Woodlawn Cemetery (4500 Woodlawn Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920), with Reverend Rhonda Hobbs officiating.
A guestbook may be signed at Berry Funeral Home (3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920) or condolences may be left online at www.berryfuneralhome.com.
The family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to Colonial Heights United Methodist Church (6321 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920) or to Sacred Ground Hospice House (1120 Dry Gap Pk, Knoxville, TN 37918).
