Mr. Jennings Dink Fowlkes

Jennings Bryan “Dink” Fowlkes, Jr., age 85, of Rossville, Georgia went into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, March 20, 2026. He was born on March 30, 1940, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Francis Fowlkes Rethorn. She married Rex Rethorn and raised Dink with his sister Shirley Gill and Sue Neuman. Despite his northern roots, he spent 69 years in the North Georgia area and found a deep love for the Southern way of life.

Dink was well known for his elaborate storytelling about growing up in St. Louis, meeting Shorty at the well, raising his kids, showing his horses, his Army days, and his Coca-Cola route, to name a few.

He is preceded in death by his father, mother, sister Shirley, and his first wife, Leona “Shorty” Fowlkes, with whom he was blessed to enjoy 48 years of marriage. With Shorty, he raised three beautiful, busy children: Sheila (Randy) Pennington, Angie (Joe) Pickett, and Gene (Roxanne) Fowlkes. Their life was spent showing horses, playing sports, and spending lots of time together as a family.

Dink was promoted to "Papaw" starting in 1989 to Rutger Lamberson, Caitlin (Bryan) Tucker, Hailey (Tyler) Bass, Sidney Fowlkes, and Joby (Makayla) Pickett. He was the best pumpkin carver, Santa Claus, lawn mower, and horse-riding partner. He never missed a chance to write a silly poem in a birthday card.

The Lord blessed Dink with a second marriage in 2009 to Linda Sharp Fowlkes, who was a light in darkness and gave him a fun, adventurous, and loving 16 years. They traveled, laughed, ate, dreamed, drank coffee, and raised a sweet dachshund named "Miss Pickles." Linda cared for him with such grace and love during his battle with Alzheimer's these last few years. His family grew even more as he welcomed Linda's family as his own: Jennifer Ashby, Ginger (David) Temples, Rodney (Tammy) Jones Jr., Gene (Amy) Sharp, Lynell Lambert, Nancy (Paul) Sattler, and Kay Lemons, along with multiple grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Dink was promoted, yet again, to "Papaw Dink," or great-grandfather, to Isabella (7), Raelynn (4), Cayson (2), Henry (5), and Leo (2). He played along with just about all of the silly games they forced upon him. A retired veteran with 23 years of military service, Dink served on active duty with the U.S. Air Force as a Radar Control Specialist and with the Tennessee Army National Guard Field Artillery, retiring as a Master Sergeant. He was a veteran of Desert Storm and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious achievement while serving in the Headquarters Battery, 196th Field Artillery Brigade, in support of Operation Desert Storm. His other military honors included the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Medal, and numerous other medals.

He graduated cum laude from Chattanooga State Technical Community College and also completed the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, First Sergeant Academy, Battle Staff School, and several other career-relevant programs. He retired from the Coca-Cola Company after 41 years of service. Most importantly, Dink was a man of faith who loved the Lord. He was an active member of Shiloh Baptist Church for 46 years, a former deacon, and a member of the New Hope and Words of Wisdom Sunday School classes. His faith showed up in many ways, including as the Easter egg hider for the preschool church, ladies softball coach and as a faithful security guard for the Shiloh Women of Grace senior ladies. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his love of Westerns, and his thermoses of black coffee. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, love, and so many happy memories.

"Take care of your family — love them — spend time with them. It matters!" — Dink Fowlkes, 2023

The family will receive friends on Monday from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm and Tuesday from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon – Tuesday – March 24, 2026 in the Fort Oglethorpe Chapel of Wilson Funeral Homes with Pastors: Derrell O’Neal and David Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Arrangements by W. L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Homes – Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. Online register book at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com