David Michael Fowler

David Michael Fowler, a beloved member of the community, dedicated his life to serving others through his various roles in government and public service.

Born on April 23, 1949, in Buncombe County, NC, Dave grew up in Greenville, NC where he graduated from JH Rose High School. He attended Western Carolina University, graduating in 1975, earning a bachelor's degree in Middle School Education. He was active in campus life at WCU. He played basketball for the Catamounts, was a member of the student government association and a brother of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity where he served as president and district governor. After graduating, he was elected a member of the WCU Alumni Association Board of Directors and served as President.

Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to his community. He taught public school in Jackson County; worked with Caraway Packaging, the family business in Kinston, NC, with Old Dominion Box Company, of Concord, NC, and then moved on to work with Jackson County Government in Sylva, NC. 

His dedication to public service shone brightly in volunteer roles within his community, including as a member of the Jackson County Board of Elections and Chairman of the Jackson County Republican Party.  When he and wife Wanda moved to the coast, he became a member of the Noon Rotary of Morehead City, NC, was appointed to the Coastal Regional Solid Waste Authority, the Carteret County Board of Equalization and Review, and was elected chairman of the Carteret County Republican Party. Additionally, he served as a Carteret County Commissioner; later as Town Commissioner of Cape Carteret, and then as Mayor of Cape Carteret for eight years. He exemplified integrity, commitment, and diligence in all aspects of his life.

On Thursday, March 14, 2024, David Michael Fowler passed away in Pitt County, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grover and Mary Martha Holtzclaw Fowler.

Dave leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire those who knew him. He is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years, Wanda Nelson Fowler; sister Denise Haughn (John) of Farmville, NC; brother Grover C. "Skip" Fowler of Waynesville, NC; sister-and-brother-in-law Lou Ann and Ronnie White of Indian Trail, NC; niece Erica White and nephew Bryant Fowler.

A graveside service to honor and remember Dave’s life will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 1 pm, at the Cullowhee United Methodist Church Cemetery in Cullowhee, NC. A memorial service will be held in Carteret County in the coming weeks. Both services will be a testament to the impact Dave had on all those around him. 

David Michael Fowler will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace knowing that his contributions live on through the memories and lives he touched during his time on earth.

The care of Mr. Fowler has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton and an online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com.