Samuel L.

Faulkner

Samuel Layton Faulkner Sr., 89, of Columbus, Georgia, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on October 14th, 2021.  A private graveside memorial will be held on Wednesday, October 20th, 2021 at Parkhill Cemetery in Columbus, Georgia with immediate family in attendance.  Mr. Faulkner will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Carol Rabbit Faulkner, who preceded him in death in 2006.  Born June 18th, 1932 to Fred L. and Louise Faulkner in Birmingham, Alabama, he moved to Columbus as a child where he attended Saint Elmo Elementary School and was a graduate of the class of 1949 at Columbus High School.  He graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1955.  He enlisted in the Georgia National Guard in 1955 and entered active duty later that year.  Mr. Faulkner attained the rank of Second Lieutenant in 1957 in the U.S. Army Reserves.  Mr. Faulkner first started working with his father, Fred, a well known Columbus business leader at Columbus Hardware Store around 1942 at the young age of ten, and thus began a journey in the Columbus business world that would culminate with a 35 year career at The Tom Huston Peanut Company as Director of Purchasing.  Sam met the love of his life early in high school, but as destiny would have it, they would not marry until 1976.  Their love and dedication to one another was boundless.  They were rarely separated and enjoyed a full social life with a vast circle of friends from high school and the local business community.  Sam and Carol could be seen most often strolling away the late summer afternoon heat under the inviting shade at Weracoba Park with their stately Irish Setter, Dixie, at their side.  Mr.  Faulkner is survived by three children, Fred Faulkner (Debra) of Fayetteville, GA; Samuel Faulkner, Jr. (Charlene) of Thomasville, GA; Jessica Faulkner Dyess (Jeff) of Vestavia Hills, AL.  He has nine grandchildren; Austin Faulkner, Connor Faulkner, Carson Faulkner, Colton Faulkner, Parker Faulkner, Layton Dyess, Anna Johnsey, Libby Dyess, and Jack Dyess.  The legacy that Sam Faulkner Sr. leaves was truly begun by his father, Fred L. Faulkner. Mr. Daddy, as he was called, had a foresight to recognize the importance of a college education. Before Sam Sr. was married, or had any children, Mr. Daddy set up a college account for the grandchildren that he hoped to be blessed with.  Grandfather Fred's blessing was fulfilled, and in time, three grandchildren were educated, married, blessed with their own children, and live fruitful lives as promised by God.  Sam Faulkner, Sr.'s life did not end today.  His legacy continues with a final message that Sam had for his children.  He said, "Emphasize these important things in life; Love of God, duty to country, honor to oneself, honesty, and family.  Proverbs 22:6 sums up Sam's hope.  "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it."