David “Dave” Fields Fowler, Sr.
David “Dave” Fields Fowler, Sr., age 85, of Vestavia Hills, AL, passed from this life on February 7th, 2026. He was born in Tupelo, MS on July 18, 1940, to Ruble Felix Fowler and Cletis Olean Fields. David moved to Birmingham, AL as a teenager and attended Philips High School. He was athletic and played football, ran track and was a pole vaulter. David was the number one recruit out of Alabama into the Navy. After he left the Navy, Dave worked as a commercial artist at the Green Pages where he met and married Miriam Rogers. They had three children together, Felicia, David and April. He was a wonderful dad and was so very proud of his children.
Dave and Miriam moved to Valleydale Road in North Shelby County where they started a church along with other Christians in a friend’s basement. This gathering of Christians was the Valleydale Church of Christ and later the Church of Christ at Helena which Dave and his son-in-law John Roy built. Later in life, Dave moved to Cahaba Heights and lived in his beloved home for 30 years.
Dave was a handsome “Renaissance” man who had many varied interests and talents. He loved to play golf with his friends and son and won many awards and tournaments. He loved to create things whether it be vegetable gardens, writing poetry, building houses, or painting amazing pictures. He was uniquely talented and passed these abilities down to many of his children and grandchildren where these talents live on. He started a building business, F & G Homes with his friend Flynn Gerald and later worked with his brother Jake for many years to renovate and build houses mostly in North Shelby County, AL under Dave Fowler Homes, Inc. He was a very talented carpenter.
He had a love for all kinds of music and enjoyed singing. He loved Alabama Football and could always be seen with his Alabama hat on with coffee or tea in hand. He had a unique sense of humor and loved to joke around. He was baptized into Christ after marrying Miriam and was a faithful Christian the rest of his life. He enjoyed teaching adult Bible classes and baptized many people in the lake at the house on Valleydale Road. Dave was a great friend and had lifelong friendships. Special mention to Charley Hudson, Flynn Gerald, Billy Walker and Ronnie Moon and many other wonderful friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ruble Felix Fowler and Cletis Olean Fields, brother, James Ruble Fowler, brother, Earl Wayne Fowler and mother of his children, Miriam Rogers Fowler.
He is survived by his children Felicia Carver (Wayne), David Fields Fowler, Jr. (Jenny) and April Roy. He is survived by one brother, Charles Anthony Fowler and his beloved grandchildren Stephen Pate, Ashley Spellerberg (Joey), Cherish Webb (Brandon), Andrew Roy (Laura), Amanda Fowler, Katie Harwell (Mackey) and Wolf Pickens. He is also survived by twelve great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He loved and was so proud of his family. Special thanks to Rochelle, La La, Jaylon, Shannon and many other great CNAs and nurses for taking good care of daddy in the long-term care facility and to Southeastern Hospice.
A committal service will take place at the National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL on Thursday, February 26, 2026 @ 11:45 a.m.
I had the honor of Dave being my father-in-law for a few years. I found him to be highly intelligent, creative, and a joy to be around. He was definitely a Christian man and conducted himself accordingly. He loved his family dearly which was obvious in so many ways. He was very proud of his children especially regarding their intelligence and creativity. I know he was an outstanding golfer and wanted to play with him very much, even though I was only a beginner at the time. We both had busy schedules so never did find the time. But I know I will miss Dave and know his family will miss him dearly too. I pray all of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren will clearly remember this special man.
Dave was a character that will never be forgotten. He led Flynn to Christ and baptized him in that lake on Valleydale. Miriam was instrumental in my obedience to the Gospel.
Our children were good friends and remain so as adults. We will miss talking on the phone to David and discussing Bible scriptures. There were a lot of firsts with the Fowler’s that we will always remember. Love to all! Remember, he’s right where he wants to be!