Deacon Wiley L. Fowler, age 89 of Bedford, departed this life on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. He was born on December 18, 1930 to the late Lawrence Fowler and Ollie Hurt Fowler. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his daughter, Gloria Jean Fowler (who transitioned at an early age); three brothers, Randolph, Curtis and Nathaniel Fowler and a sister, Evelyn Fowler.

Deacon Fowler is survived by his wife, Mrs. Evelyn D. Fowler; son, Ronald Fowler; daughter, Nancy Fowler Clark; granddaughter, Endia Clark; sisters-in-law, Phyliss Bonds (Landon), Mary Ingram (Charles), Dorthea Hurt, Brenda English and Bessie Hurt; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Crossing the Bar
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For though from out our bourne of time and place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.