|
|
|
Rock Hill High School
Class Of 1967
|
In Memory of
Mr James Ladd Fowler II
January 27, 1948 - October 10, 2014
Obituary
James Ladd Fowler II, 66, of Frisco, Texas, passed away in his home on October 10th, 2014. He is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Betty Jo, and two sons, Jason (42) and Brandon (39).
Ladd was born on January 27th, 1948 in Rock Hill, South Carolina to James and Alethia Fowler. His young life was a difficult one, losing his mother at a very young age and sent to live with a father that he barely knew. Ladd Understood the value of hard work at a very young age. He began working in a grocery stone when he was 12. He bought his first car in high school, a GTO that he loved dearly, with his own money. He apprenticed as a brick layer to pay for college tuition. Soon after he was married and had his first child in 1972. He spent his entire adult career as a salesman, first in the steel industry and later as a small business owner of Midsouth Therapeutic. He made many friends along the way, all of which now miss him dearly.
Ladd loved playing golf with his son and his friends. He loved Clemson football and basketball. He loved his Mustang Shelby. He loved chicken and dumplings, sardines, and good Carolina barbeque (Not all at once though). His taste in music and clothes always left something to be desired, but he owned it, not caring what other people thought.
Ladd will be sorely missed.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Jason and Everett Hartman, two of Ladd's closest friends, for the love and support that they have given during this time of sadness. They are family.
A memorial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 25, 2014 at Stonebriar Funeral Home 10375 Preston Road, Frisco, Texas 75035. A celebration of his life will immediately follow at the home of Everett Hartman, 1820 Azurite Trail, Frisco, Texas 75075. All are welcome.
|
.jpg)
.jpg)
Roland DeLoach
Stunned and heartbroken to lose such a great friend. Somehow time doesn't lessen the bond and connection that you have with someone with whom you shared so much...even after almost 50 years. I don't recall how it happened, but Ladd and I reconnected (for the first time since college) after Nancy and I relocated back to Texas from New Jersey in 2007. In our initial conversation, it was as if the separation had only been days; the connection was still there. We shared about family and friends and exchanged information on major happenings in our lives. Having lived near NYC during that period, Ladd was inquisitive about whether we had friends that were impacted by the 9/11 twin tower's attack and collapse. We shared that, yes, we had lost friends that day and saw many impacts in our community. At that point, Ladd shared the following story of his experience that day and the impact that it had on his life. Ladd was in-flight on 9/11, when the pilot came on the intercom, announced the news regarding the World Trade Center attacks, and indicated that their flight was being rerouted and forced to land at the nearest local airport. It was not known if other flights were susceptible to be hijacked and used as weapons. Ladd admitted that this was the first time that he had thought about his mortality in a long time. He said that he knew that he must immediately get right with God. Upon returning to the Dallas area, Ladd excitedly told me that became a believer. I think that is evidenced by many of his numerous comments on this website. While I grieve his passing, I am so thankful that I know that I will see him again when its my time to pass over.
Rest in peace, good friend.
Roland
Becky Armstrong (Helms)
I did not know Ladd in school but I feel that I know him now. All of your In Memory comments say it all about Ladd. Thank you for sharing your recollections, past and recent. I'm touched by your heart and sharing with the rest of us who may not have crossed paths with Ladd. Thank you Barbara for getting Ladd to join our website.
I did not know many of you back in '66 but I feel I do know you through this website. I've gotten together with a few of you and intend to continue that..it's a blessing to reconnect no doubt. It is my hope that we all realize now more than ever the importance of staying in touch and offering emotional support for each other if needed. From one Bearcat to another, if anyone EVER needs a shoulder to cry on, to just talk, or get together over coffee, feel free to call me 24/7 at 704-488-0486. Not sure if I can help but I am a good listener.
My sympathies to Ladd's wife Betty Jo, his two sons, and to those of you who were Ladd's friends.
Becky
Wayne Haselden
I was saddened to hear about Ladd's passing. We had a few classes togeather. I had emailed him several times the past couple of months. He told me about a drag race car that he was trying to sell.
Ladd was a good friend. Fun to be around. I agree with Mike, we never know when the last grain of sand will fall from the upper chamber to the lower chamber.
My sympatthy goes out to Ladd's family. Rest in peace my friend.
Rosalyn Morton
I am saddened to read of Ladd's passing. We grew up in the same neighborhood and when we were about ten years old, he got a go cart for Christmas. He was so excited and let me drive it...big mistake because I wrecked it-it was not drivable. To this day it upsets me but he was so nice about it. My thoughts and prayers are with Betty Jo and his family.
Roz Morton
Laurena Hutto (Taylor)
I too, am sad to read the news of Ladd's passing. We all had so much fun during our school years. He was a great guy to be around. I felt a peace when I read the story how he, facing his own mortality, had made peace with his creator. My thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones as they grieve his loss, but yet celebrate his life. Like so many of our friends, he will be missed.
Betty Mathis (Diamond)
So sad to read about Ladd's passing too soon. Prayers & thoughts go to Betty Jo, their boys & family. Ladd was always fund, upbeat and well liked. We had great fun in school. We messaged back on forth on this site in the past few years. All the wonderful comments on our site are great, too. He will be greatly missed.
Betty D
Gayle Russell (Zeola)
So sad to hear about Ladd. He was a fun guy in high school. My prayers are with Betty Jo and the boys. I know Betty Jo suffered back problems. I pray it is better.
Gayle Russell Zeola
Bill Barber
My most sincere condolences to Becky Jo and family. Although I have not seen Ladd since class reunion in 1986, my memories remain fond. 1966 was a Good year, and while there have been many others, that particular one will always have special significance. Adios Ladd, RIP.
George Clark
I thought about Ladd several times this past year and intended to contact him. He was a good friend to me in school and let me drive his car one time. Well I'm glad I heard from him one time and that he was doing well. We never know when our time on Earth is up but I believe he is in a better place and I too hope to see him again someday. God bless all of you and I hope we all meet again someday over there.
Richy Williams
Ladd was one of my best friends growing up in the 17 acres neighborhood. I thought he graduated in 1966 like I did. His first car was a falcon his dad gave to him. He later purchased a new Olds 442 convertible not a GTO. He also was best dressed in his class as he worked for Hill/Rhea Warner clothing store. Richy Williams