Claude McCullen Faulkner

Claude McCullen Faulkner of Wilson, NC died peacefully Monday, August 19th, with his family by his side. He was born May 7, 1943 to Littlejohn Taylor Faulkner and Nellie Ezzelle McCullen Faulkner, both predeceased, and was the third of four children, older siblings Suzanne Faulkner Jones (Ed) and brother Littlejohn Taylor Faulkner, Jr. both predeceased him, he is survived by his younger sister, Nellie Gray Faulkner Waller (Noah). Claude was a graduate of Fike High School, class of 1961, where lifelong friendships were formed. He served honorably in the Air Force and graduated from Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) in 1970. Upon graduation he took over the family business, Faulkner Neon Sign Company which he ran for years before becoming the Director of Maintenance for Wilson County, from which he retired in 2005.

 Claude met the love of his life, Rebecca Riddick Faulkner while at ACC, they married in 1975 and made their home in Wilson. He is survived by Rebecca, their only child, Sharon Faulkner Schlachter (Erin), his 3 beloved grandchildren, Claudia Rose Schlachter, Cullen Riddick Schlachter and Keaton James Schlachter, all of Greensboro, NC and many treasured nieces and nephews.

 Claude was very active in the Masonic Organization, he was past Grand Master of Masonic Lodge 712 (now 117), as well as a member of the Wilson Shrine Club, Blue Lodge, York Rite and Scottish Rite. He was also a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Wilson.

 In 2006 Claude was given new life when he received a double lung transplant. He lived those 17 bonus years to the fullest; traveling all over the world with his wife and family, skydiving, picture framing, fixer of anything that was broken, friend and handyman to many and most importantly becoming a Grandaddy and watching those grandchildren grow.

 A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 24th at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church of Wilson. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shriner's Children's Hospital, Donate Life NC or First Baptist Church of Wilson.

 Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.