Eric Raymond Fowler

Eric Raymond Fowler passed away on April 2, 2026, at home in Manassas, Virginia after a brief battle with lung cancer. He was known as a joyful, kind, and loving man. Born July 25, 1946, in Oakland, California, Eric moved around with his Navy family. He spent his childhood in many ports in the US, England, and Italy. The family settled in Northern Virginia for most of Eric’s high school years, where he started tinkering on cars. During college, he joined the Navy in the Vietnam era and served as a jet engine mechanic on the USS Forestal, which was in dry dock and test cruises while Eric served. He graduated from Old Dominion University with a degree in English in Norfolk, Virginia. Eric was a man of many jobs, talents, and interests. He was a car mechanic, house painter, and worked in the business office at Science magazine. He then spent 20+ years as an editor for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s Communications Department A basketball coach, swim team referee, handy-man extraordinaire, Eric was a devoted family man; his wife, children, and Golden Retrievers were the focus of many of his activities. His caring nature extended widely; he is remembered for his generous spirit toward everyone he met—friends, distant relatives, neighbors, and strangers. He loved traveling and being on water, whether it was the Occoquan or Potomac Rivers, Virginia Beach, or the Chesapeake Bay. Eric retired in 2011 and moved to Manassas, where he has enjoyed researching genealogy (he traced his ancestors back to 254) and history. He participated in the Bull Run Civil War Roundtable and the Sons of the American Revolution. In 2022, he and his wife, Sandy, spent a year in Scotland, his last big adventure. He located graves of ancestors, travelled the countryside, and enjoyed the Scottish culture. He is survived by his wife Sandra Foulis Fowler, son Scott William, daughter-in-law Karly Michelle, and grandson Robert Harrison, daughter Alison Elaine, sister Terry Fowler Fiumi, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brother, Gordon Fowler. A celebration of life service for Eric will be held April 12, at the Pierce Funeral Home in Manassas, VA; 2:00 visitation, 3:00 service, and reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to your local Public Broadcast Station (PBS.org/donate).

Eric Raymond Fowler

July 25, 1946 - April 2, 2026