My friend Bill Fowler made the world much brighter simply by the way he lived it.

He will be remembered for many things — his unmistakable smile, his contagious laugh and his quiet strength and kindness.

Bill carried himself with grace, humility and so much courage. He was the kind of person who made others feel valued and at ease.

He was my very close friend despite the fact we were polar opposites politically. He enjoyed FOX NEWS more than my beloved CNN.

We laughed more at our differences instead of fighting over them. That was one of the best lessons Bill taught me!

Professionally, Bill was a respected international tax advisor whose wisdom and integrity earned the trust of colleagues and clients around the world.

Yet, if you asked Bill what mattered most, it would never have been titles or accomplishments. His greatest legacy was found in the lives he touched — especially in his friends in Atlanta.

Bill believed in giving back. He poured his heart into Atlanta organizations like PATH and the Shepherd Center, not because he sought recognition, but because he genuinely cared about people.

He understood that success means little unless it is shared in service to others. He was determined that — one day — he would walk unassisted down the halls of The Shepherd Center and run along those beautiful PATH trails shouting “Come on, Jim Kennedy (Chairman-emeritus of Cox Enterprises), catch up with me!”

One of the greatest measures of Bill’s life will the stories friends tell about him — some hilarious, some touching, all filled with affection — a favorite memory: a laugh shared, wise advice freely given, an unexpected act of generosity, or one of Bill’s perfectly timed jokes that could dissolve even the heaviest heart.

My wife Edwina and I experienced so many good memories with Cindy and Bill on our trips together to more than 40 countries. Those stories are treasures that we will continue to tell for years to come.

There, of course, is no complete Bill story without Cindy.

The love between them was something special — steady, joyful and deeply rooted. Together, they built a life filled with adventure, partnership, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Their relationship was the kind that reminded everyone around them what love can look like when nurtured over many years.

At times, Cindy was very bossy — in a mostly good way — as she made Bill exercise more, push himself harder, and to never give up. Their life was, in every sense, magical. We celebrate that love today, knowing it continues to live in the hearts of everyone who witnessed it.

Cindy and Bill gave us daughters Julie Rackley and Mallory Fowler, two magnificent women. Then, along came three wonderful grandchildren Wylie, Sam and Sylvie. Nobody could light up their lives like those three.

There are three MD’s who enabled Bill to live a longer and happier life:

Dr. David Fowler, Bill’s brother, who was partly raised by Cindy and Bill in his younger years. As a physician, Dr. Fowler advised Cindy and Bill all of their lives, including during his most recent, final days.

Dr. David Hafler, now of Yale after years at Harvard and Emory, enabled Bill to live many more years than projected because of his pioneering Multiple Sclerosis research and innovative treatment of Bill.

And Dr. Sandra Fryhofer, their Atlanta concierge MD, who was just elected President of the American Medical Association. Sandy and her staff were “on call” 24/7.

While I grieve today at Bill’s absence, I also give thanks for the extraordinary gift of his presence. He was a man who chose kindness over pride, generosity over recognition, and laughter over despair. He leaves this world better than he found it.

However, this is not the end of Bill’s story. His smile will live on in those who smile because of him. His laughter echoes in every story shared around a dinner table. His compassion continues through the lives he served and inspired. His love endures in Cindy, in his family, and in the many friends who were fortunate enough to call him their own.

Bill showed us how to live with courage, kindness, humor, and an open heart. He reminded us that a life measured by love, friendship, and service is a life truly well lived.

I intend to honor his memory by laughing a little louder, loving a little deeper, and giving a little more — just as he did every day.

He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.

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