Willie R. Faulkner

Willie Ray (Roy) Faulkner was born on April 3, 1955, to Murray Faulkner and Rosie Lee Geter Faulkner in Senatobia, Mississippi.  He confessed a hope in Christ at New Ford Church in Senatobia, MS. Willie was a United States Army veteran and retired from the military after 20 years of honorable service.  Willie departed this life on Saturday, May 18th, 2019, peacefully at his home.

Willie’s father, Murray Faulkner, preceded him in death, as well as two of his siblings, Murray Faulkner, Jr. and Earlene Johnson.  Willie leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Dr. Jacqueline Rosenthal (Kendrick) of Brookhaven, Georgia, and Roxanne Thomas (Michael) of Chicago, Illinois; two grandsons, Andrew and Ethan Rosenthal, Brookhaven, Georgia; a loving mother, Mrs. Rosie Lee Faulkner, Senatobia, MS. He is survived by eight siblings to include Charlie C. Geter (Lola), Southaven, MS; Arthur Faulkner, Senatobia, MS; Jell Taylor, Independence, MS; Philistine Tate (Charles), Senatobia, MS; Jessie Connard (Percy), Senatobia, MS; Mary Ann Thomas (Ezell), Senatobia, MS; Romus Faulkner, Chula Vista, California; and Calvin Faulkner (Jeanette) Senatobia, MS. Angela Bowens, niece, was very dear to his heart. They not only shared a birthday but also a very close and special bond. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him dearly.

Willie spent his childhood years growing up in Senatobia, Mississippi, until he left home to begin a career in the military.  Willie entered the U. S. Army where he served his country faithfully until his retirement in 1992.  Willie received numerous commendations during his tenure in the military and was stationed throughout the United States, Germany, and Korea.  Willie retired at Fort Riley, Kansas in 1992.

During his time in the military, Willie met and fell in love with Sara Willoughby.  They were married on October 9^th, 1981, in St. Roberts, Missouri.  They were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Jacqueline Lindsay in 1983 and Roxanne Raye in 1985.  Apart from his time in Korea, his family was with him during his military tenure.  They were surrounded by other military families who they shared a special bond with, as only military families can. Those were very happy times for Willie.  He met many people while in the military and some of them became his lifelong friends.  After retirement, Willie relocated to Colorado Springs, Colorado and soon after, obtained an Associate Degree in Environmental Engineering Technology (1994). He remained in Colorado Springs, CO, until our God Almighty called him home on May 18, 2019.

The joy of his life was the time he spent with his children and grandchildren.  He was so proud of his daughters and the lives they made for themselves.  There was not a person that he met that he did not express both his love and pride for his children.  If he was not talking about Jackie and Roxy, as he affectionately called them, it was his two grandsons.  Andrew and Ethan meant the world to him and every moment that they were able to spend together gave him great joy.  He would also express his deepest gratitude for the outstanding job that Sara did as a mother and she held a very special place in his heart.  Willie also loved coming home to Mississippi to visit his mother, who he adored, as well as family and friends.  His sister Philistine would cook all his favorite foods and spoil him the entire time.  He always left with a full belly and a heart full of cheer.

Visitation 4-6 Thursday, May 23, 2019 at Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910. Burial Mt. Calm Missionary Baptist Church, Coldwater, Mississippi.