The City of Searcy officially renamed Marion Street to “Al Fowler Way” during a special city council meeting held Thursday honoring the late Clarence Alvin “Al” Fowler Jr., a longtime community leader, photographer, church elder, and advocate for countless local ministries and organizations.
Family members, friends, city leaders, pastors, and community members gathered for the emotional ceremony that included prayer, remarks from city leaders, and the singing of Happy Birthday in memory of Fowler.
City officials said renaming a street is a rare action for Searcy, but leaders agreed Fowler’s impact on the community deserved permanent recognition.
Mayor Mat Faulkner spoke about Fowler’s decades of service through Harding University, Jacob’s Place Homeless Mission, Searcy Medical Center, Camp Wyldewood, local churches, nonprofit organizations, and civic events throughout White County.
Faulkner said the location of Marion Street made it the perfect place for the honor because of its visibility along Race Street and its connection to River Oaks, where Al and Carla Fowler lived.
Community leaders described Fowler as a man known for kindness, generosity, humility, faith, and helping anyone in need regardless of the time or situation.
Kent Arnold, president of the Searcy Ministerial Alliance, shared remarks and prayer during the ceremony, describing Fowler as “salt and light” in the Searcy community and praising his commitment to unity and service.
During the official council meeting, aldermen unanimously approved the ordinance renaming Marion Street to Al Fowler Way, including an emergency clause making the name effective immediately.
City leaders also announced plans are underway with Harding University and Fowler’s family to archive and preserve thousands of photographs he captured documenting community life throughout Searcy and White County.
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