Lee Fowler
September 20, 1953 - October 7, 2021
Miami, Florida - Lee Robert Fowler, a third generation Miamian, successful businessman, loving father, and lifelong friend to all who met him, passed away Thursday, October 7, 2021 after 68 years of living life to the fullest.
The son of Dorothy Young and Jack Fowler, he was raised by his mother and stepfather, Joseph Young, who is known to most as "Papa Joe." According to his older sister, Lynda Fowler, his boyhood sweetness and kindness followed him through life.
Lee graduated from Coral Gables Senior High School in 1971 before attending the University of Florida, where he developed a lifelong love for the Florida Gators, earning a B.S. in Political Science in 1975. He was an avid student of history and politics, and had an encyclopedic memory — especially when it involved the sports world, a trait he picked up from his grandfather, Robert Hughes, a sports editor for the Miami News.
Lee met his wife Ozelia "Zanze" Bodenhamer just out of college. They were married in 1979 and went on to have two children: Ozelia Lee (Olee) in 1987 and Robert Hughes in 1992. Family and friends were the centerpiece of Lee's life, and he loved bringing people together as "everyone's biggest fan."
Lee was an early pioneer in the construction insurance industry and quickly rose to partner at his agency in the 1980s. His good nature, trustworthiness, and genuine interest in people led him to become a giant in the field. At his firm Collinsworth, Alter, Fowler, and French, he mentored and shaped many successful careers. His business partner of almost 40 years Richard French notes, "he had a knack of always making people feel really good—that they could go out and do it." But he was always self-effacing about his success and explained it with his typical wry sense of humor, "it's good to be in an industry where people are legally required to buy your product."
Lee was a successful man but was defined by an extraordinary love for others and generosity of spirit. It is said the greatest gift you can give another person is your undivided attention—and Lee noticed. He truly cared about people, from people he knew well to people he knew barely at all. He showed everyone he encountered how to live passionately, deliberately, and unapologetically with an infectious enthusiasm and zest for life.
Predeceased by both his mother and father, Lee is survived by his wife, children, sister, many in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Join Lee's family in celebrating his life at one of his favorite restaurants, Captain's Tavern (9625 South Dixie Highway) on Saturday, October 30 from noon to 3 p.m. We will be honoring Lee by wearing UF Gator colors at his celebration.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to the American Cancer Society either online at: main.acsevents.org/goto/LeeFowler or by phone, contributing in his name.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Miami Herald on Oct. 17, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Lee Fowler

6 Entries

Monique Jimenez

December 7, 2021

I just found out of the passing of a man who I not only admired, but loved dearly. Lee always encouraged me to keep pursuing my dreams and was like a second father to me. May he rest in peace, and my condolences to his wife, children, and family. I am going to miss you my friend!

Patrick Murphy

October 31, 2021

I just read about Lee's passing and it was a truly sad event. Lee was a stand-up guy who loved life and the Florida Gators. I had the pleasure of working with him for 10+ years, and he always was available to offer his insight. May his family be Blessed with his very favorable memory.

Dara Freshley

October 28, 2021

My two daughters and I were distraught to read this news about Lee on Facebook. He was my boss at McDonald´s in Coral Gables in 1976 while he was putting himself through college. We remain friends all this time. He was the most generous, kind loving and giving person that I´ve ever known. He treated my children like they were his own inviting them to the pool at the big house, taking them shopping, and dinners at Fox´s. 46 years of friendship. Lee I will miss you and love you forever. My heart is broken. Godspeed

Sharon Nichols

October 22, 2021

Zanze, Olee and Robert I want to share my condolences for you loss. I worked for 18 1/2 years with Lee and his wonderful partners on the company side of the insurance business. The years working with him and all of the Collinsworth crew was by far the highlight of my career. His passion for his family and friends was evident in every conversation along with commitment to the partnership with our company. Knowing him was a honor and I was lucky to be one of the many whose careers were shaped by his mentoring ways along the way. He will be greatly missed!

Lisa Fiore Kargauer

October 21, 2021

Zanze, Olee & Robert,
please accept most sincere condolences for Lee. Fay&Henry have kept me informed.

Larry Dunlap

October 19, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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