William Mortimer “Bill” Fowlkes III

William Mortimer “Bill” Fowlkes III, 81, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026. He was born on December 5, 1944, in Portsmouth, Virginia, to Dr. William Mortimer Fowlkes Jr. and Julia Coffman Fowlkes. He was the oldest of four sons: Jim, John, and David.

Bill graduated from Cardinal Gibbons High School in May 1964 and enlisted in the US Army shortly after, completing training as a National Guardsman. He earned his BBA from Campbell College in 1973 while enrolled in the US Army’s Bootstrap program. Bill retired as a Captain after 20 years of distinguished military service.

Bill continued to serve his country for many years as a civil servant at MCAS Cherry Point and later with the NC Department of Corrections.

Bill immersed himself completely in every undertaking. Whether it was obtaining his contractors’ and real estate license, volunteering at Johnston County Animal Shelter, or helping his neighbors recover after extensive flooding in New Bern. His passion was working with tools; if something was broken, he would fix it. He enjoyed nature and beauty through camping, fishing, painting and photography. Bill was quietly and cleverly funny.

Bill is survived by his amazing wife of 28 years, Patricia; three children, Dr. William M. Fowlkes IV, David T. Fowlkes and Ann-Louise H. Fowlkes; and five granddaughters: Rebekah, Julia, Gabrielle, Isabelle and Olivia.

In lieu of flowers, Bill and his family request donations be made to Johnston Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1376, Smithfield, NC 27577 or Friends of Johnston County, 115 Shelter Way, Smithfield, NC 27577.