William Malcolm Fowlkes Iii

William Malcolm Fowlkes III went on to live with our Savior on July 22, 2020. He was born October 7, 1964 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born to the late William Fowlkes Jr. and to Bettye Warnsley. Zeus as he was affectionately known, graduated from Paul Harding High school, Vincennes University (A.A. in Education), Ball State University (B.S. in Education), Ohio State University (M.A. in Education) and was working on his doctorate in Education. Soon after graduating from Ball State University, he married his “MO”, Monique Fowlkes in 2002. Malcolm was very active in the Phi Beta Sigma Incorporated and significantly expanded the chapter’s membership while attending Ball State University.

To Malcolm, love, life and laughter were his motto. Malcolm was a certified teacher and principal, administered and taught middle and high schoolers over the years. He was an avid coach and coached football for 10 years at Paul Harding High school. Malcolm directed much of his energy and passion towards teaching methodologies concerning value-based educational needs of disadvantaged challenged students. Malcolm was the owner of Fowlkes Favorites, a catering business in Columbus, Ohio. Malcolm relentlessly tried to capture moments from a life event and convert it into an emotion that he would later express in his work with his students. Reliance on God’s direction was involved in all of his work.

Malcolm confessed Christ at the age of six and was baptized at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Malcolm loved life and there was never a challenge that he could not overcome–including death. He was driven, yet focused; critical, yet optimistic; ambitious, yet relational; organized and practical. Beneath the veneer, he was a very sensitive and passionate man who felt deeply about matters. He enjoyed listening to sermons and enjoyed a variety of music. During his transition from this life, heartfelt farewells were spoken with his family. Like life, Malcolm met death “without shame” and without wavering. Like his Savior, he paved the way for his family and friends to take responsibility for their lives and to realize that “life comes at you fast”. Malcolm is now a part of the cloud of witnesses in heaven—Therefore, since we were surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the pace that is set before us-Hebrews 12:1.

Malcolm was very involved in ministry from a young age. As a child, people referred to him as “little preacher” as he donned his suits while attending Pilgrim church with his mother. As a teenager, he sang in the male chorus at Pilgrim church. Malcolm served as a deacon with Mount Calvary Missionary church under the late Pastor Michael Nickleson. After moving to Columbus, Ohio in 1997, he maintained his involvement as honorarium member and deacon with Mount Calvary. In 1997, Malcolm joined Mount Herman Missionary Baptist church under the Bishop Dr. Donald J. Washington, where he served as a deacon for many years. He was involved in the Christian Education department and served as Principal of the charter school.

Malcolm is survived by his wife Monique Fowlkes of 18 years; mother, Bettye Warnsley; son, William “Gator” Malcolm Fowlkes, IV; and daughters Abeni Jones, Amber Hamilton, Micah Nickelson, Shay McCall, Quiana Summers; brothers, Todd Williams, Gordon (Chipper) Hardy, Jarrich Fowlkes, Nehemiah Fowlkes; sister, Nicole Springer Guyton. Malcolm was preceded in death by his father, William Fowlkes Jr (1990); grandfather, William Fowlkes Sr. (1990); grandmother, Fronie Fowlkes (2009); grandfather Bob Warnsley (1972); grandmother Abbie Warnsley (1970); son, James Campbell (2014); Treray Hamilton “TJ” (2007); sister Glennce (1977), brother, Glen Lee Bryant (1978); He is further survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grand-children, god-children, cousins, fraternity brothers and a host of “day one” friends and associates.

Visitation 12:00pm and Funeral 1:00pm Saturday, August 15, 2020 at Mt. Hermon, 2283 Sunbury Road.