Doc Memorial
Everyone knows that my father was an avid supporter of DHS athletics for the 17 years his children attended high school at Decatur. While he was revitalizing the football booster club in the mid 1960’s, he also was instrumental in the development of youth programs at Glenwood Hills, Oakhurst, and Medlock. Doc was president of Glenwood Hills in the 60’s and North Decatur for most of the 70’s. He started the Thoroughbred League at Medlock Park, which was an extension of Pony/Colt, to allow players from age 17-20 to continue playing baseball.

While most families moved to the suburbs during integration, my dad’s decision to stay in the city of Decatur was based on a love for his community and his desire to make it better.

After coaching his 4 sons baseball teams for many years to numerous championships, he started the DeKalb Senior Softball League and continued to play actively until he was 75. He also was a popular baseball and girls softball instructor in his later years.

My father served in the Navy Air Corp and graduated from Georgia Tech in 1948 with a degree in Industrial Management. He worked for Mead Packaging until he retired in 1983. For years, he headed up the youth group at Decatur First United Methodist Church along with various other committees. His popularity helped him get elected as a Decatur City Commissioner.

After retiring, Doc enjoyed tutoring math students for many years at Renfroe Middle School and Decatur High School. He supported all sports at Decatur, especially my brother Eddie’s baseball and cross country teams, which he coached for almost 30 years.

 My dad passed away in the stands during a girls historical home state tournament basketball game in February of 2015. He was 89. The Bulldogs won the game and dedicated the next game, which was the quarter-finals, to my father by writing “Doc” on their shoes.

The name Doc is not a nickname. Will Doc is a traditional family name. My father was born Will Doc Fowlkes, and named his first child Will Doc Fowlkes, Jr. The name Doc was also carried on to his oldest grandson, Will Doc Fowlkes, III.

The Decatur Sports History Museum dedicated a special place for Doc Fowlkes for his over 50 years of support to Decatur athletics.

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