Vernon Lee Faulkner

Vernon Lee Faulkner, 91, of Williams-burg, departed this life on Wednesday, December 28.

He was born on April 18, 1925, in Wofford,  and spent his youth working on his family farm.

When he was 19, he proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II on amphibious landing crafts in the Western Pacific, New Guinea, the Philippines, and the South China Sea.

After his tour in the Navy, Vernon returned to Williamsburg and met his cherished wife, Dorothy, whom he affectionately called Dot. Vernon and Dot owned and managed Faulkner & Taylor Furniture Store for 44 happy years.  He was a longtime director at Farmers National Bank, currently Community Trust Bank.  He joined First Baptist Church as a young boy and attended his entire life. He was a member of the Men’s Sunday School Class and served as a deacon.

He loved spending time with his family, driving the fields of Faulkner Bent Farm in his signature red jeep, and sharing stories of the bustling days of trade and sales in downtown Williamsburg with anyone willing to listen.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Bradford Faulkner, and his mother, Dorothy Beatrice Smith Faulkner, as well as a daughter, Kathy Lee, and brothers Harold Faulkner, Clyde Faulkner, and Clyde’s wife Bobbie.

He will be missed by his loving wife of over 66 years, Dorothy Faulkner, and his daughter Karen Smith and her husband Dr. Michael R Smith, who cherished Vernon’s dedication to family and ingenuity.  Vernon’s devotion to the family farm will continue with granddaughter Kristin Smith and Melissa Bond, and his spirited love of business carries on through grandson Tyler Smith and wife Casey. Vernon will be missed by his brother Donald Faulkner and wife Cathy, their son Greg Faulkner and daughter Donna Kaye Minnich, sister-in-law Wilma Faulkner and daughters Linda Shelby and Debbie Jeffries, as well as the many other loving friends, relatives, and community members Vernon was proud to know over the years.

The funeral service was held Sunday, January 1, 2017 at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Ande Myers officiating. Private Interment.

Pallbearers were Tyler Smith, Greg Faulkner, Steven Jeffries, Roger Brooks, Brance Steely, Branden Haines, Josh Haines, Kevin Brooks, with honorary pallbearers George Lawson and Nathan Flynn.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to First Baptist Church Youth Group.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.croleyfuneralhome.com

Croley Funeral Home of Williamsburg is in charge of the arrangements.