Faulkner & Taylor Furniture Store founders pass away

Vernon Faulkner, one of the founders of Faulkner & Taylor Furniture Store, recently passed away. His wife, Dorothy, died days later.

Williamsburg lost two of its most notable residents last week as Vernon and Dorothy Faulkner died.

The couple owned and managed Faulkner & Taylor Furniture Store on Main Street for 44 years.

They were a very good people,” said Brian Shelby, who partnered with the Faulkners in the store until they sold out and retired in 1994.

Shelby said Vernon Faulkner was eager to talk to people, learning about them and what they liked and/or disliked.

“He just really enjoyed talking and visiting with people,” Shelby said of Vernon Faulkner.

Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison said Vernon and Dorothy were huge supporters of Williamsburg, adding a unique flavor to downtown.

“It was the way downtowns are supposed to be,” Harrison said of what the Faulkners brought to Williamsburg.

“When you walked in they already knew you and knew your family,” Harrison added. “They would smile and shake your hand and tell you how they were glad to see you.”

Harrison said Vernon Faulkner was one of the unique individuals in Williamsburg, along with the likes of Bill Woods.

“I regret not sitting down with either of them and learning the history of Williamsburg,” Harrison said. “Those guys have such a wealth of knowledge and love of this town and we didn’t capitalize on that.”

Along with the furniture store, Vernon Faulkner was involved in Farmers National Bank, currently Community Trust Bank. Faulkner was a longtime director at the bank.

In his free time, Faulkner worked on his farm, raising cattle and taking up hay.

“They loved where they lived and they bought into it,” Harrison said.

“They took a chance on the town because they loved the town,” Harrison added. “They didn’t try to run their business from afar.”