Remembering Frank Eison Fowler: A Beloved Lookout Mountain Resident
Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, has lost a cherished member of its community with the passing of Frank Eison Fowler, who left us peacefully at the age of 78 on the evening of October 8, 2024. Frank was not just a resident; he was a pillar of the Lookout Mountain community, known for his deep family ties, impressive career, and passion for life.
A Life Well-Lived
Born on June 2, 1946, to Richard Calvin Fowler and Mamie Craig Howell in nearby Chattanooga, Frank spent his entire life on Lookout Mountain. He was a devoted father to his two sons, Andy and Weston, and a beloved grandfather to his six grandchildren: Hope, Sarah, Lakelyn, Hayes, Hattie, and Davis. Despite the loss of his beloved wife, Gay, with whom he shared over 50 years of love, and his brother, Richard Calvin Fowler Jr., Frank’s spirit and love for family remained strong.
Education and Early Life
After completing his schooling at the Bright School and graduating from Baylor School in 1964, Frank ventured to the University of Georgia. There, he joined the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, diving head-first into both the academic and social aspects of university life. His passion for Georgia Bulldogs football blossomed during these years, and his knowledge about recruiting made him a go-to source for sports journalists and coaches alike.
A Career in Art and Real Estate
After college, Frank’s professional life took a fascinating turn as he established himself as an international art dealer specializing in the works of the famed Wyeth family. His expertise in the Brandywine School of Painting was unparalleled, and over 54 years he became known as the leading authority on Andrew Wyeth and his family. Frank organized international exhibitions and handled appraisals, making significant contributions to the art world.
In addition to his art career, Frank was a successful real estate investor. He played a critical role in saving the iconic Chattanooga Choo Choo from bankruptcy in 1989 and continued to develop the area into a vibrant entertainment district. This project stands as a testament to his passion for improving Llookout Mountain and the nearby scenic city.
A Passion for Fishing
In his free time, Frank was an avid angler who gained the reputation of being a world-renowned tarpon fisherman. He helped develop a fishery in South Carolina and became the first angler to release over 1,000 tarpon. Not one to chase records for resources, he opted to release a potential state record, demonstrating his commitment to conservation and sustainable fishing practices.
A Community Remembering One of Its Own
As Lookout Mountain remembers Frank Fowler, the community is left with the incredible impact he made throughout his life. Friends and family recall his loyalty, integrity, and the way he enriched the lives of those around him. Long-time friend Ben Probasco remarked, “Frank was unequaled in his loyalty and forthrightness,” highlighting just how much Frank meant to those privileged to know him.
Final Farewell
Services to honor Frank Fowler will be held on Monday, October 28th, at 2 p.m. at Forest Hill Cemetery, followed by a reception at Lookout Mountain’s Fairyland Club. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to organizations such as Chambliss Children’s Center or the Greenville County Museum of Art.
While we bid farewell to Frank, his legacy will undoubtedly carry on through his family, friends, the vibrant community he adored, and the enduring passion he had for art, real estate, and conservation.
