Donald "Don" Gray Faulkner, Jr.

HENDERSON- Donald Gray “Don” Faulkner, Jr., 65, of Faulkner Town Road, died Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at Duke University Hospital. Born January 20, 1958 in Vance County, he was the son of the late Donald Gray Faulkner, Sr. and Betty Jean Thomas Faulkner. Mr. Faulkner’s careers were that of a farmer and as Project Manager at Carolina Quality. He was a long-time member of the former West Hills Presbyterian Church. He was a dedicated member of the farming and agriculture communities in Vance, Granville, and the surrounding counties. He was the current Vice President of the Granville County Bee Keepers Association and Chairman of the Board of the Vance County Regional Farmers Market. He was also a co-leader of the Vance County 4H program. Mr. Faulkner spent much of his time in retirement with his bees, learning and teaching the art of beekeeping. He spent his “spare” time reading and researching Regenerative Agriculture and implemented such measures on his farm. Some of his favorite things to do were hunting, fishing, canning, animal husbandry, gardening, and building and riding fence. Of all his jobs, roles, and hobbies over the years, his absolute favorite was that of Papa to his grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11 am at New Sandy Creek Baptist Church by Rev. Brandon Ayscue. Don is survived by his wife, Andrea Cole Faulkner; and his children, Donald Gray Faulkner, III (Erika), Merab Faulkner Puleo (Justin), Cole Thomas Faulkner (Rosa), Samuel Andrew Faulkner (Casey); and his grandchildren, Thomas, Robby, Brian, Cole Thomas, Annabelle, Lucas, Aaron, Isabella, Jenkins, Saylor, and Grayson; and his sister, Pamela Faulkner Jones. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Janice Faulkner Sharp. The family will receive friends Friday, August 11, 2023 from 5 pm - 7 pm at the home of Cole Faulkner, 406 Faulkner Town Road, Henderson, NC 27537. In lieu of flowers or food, please consider donating to the “North Carolina State Beekeeper’s Association Faculty Award in support of Apiculture.” Checks may be made payable to “The Endowment Fund of NCSU” and mailed to Campus Box 7645, NCSU, Raleigh, NC 27695. Please include “In memory of Donald Faulkner” on the memo line of the check. You can also make a gift online by visiting NC State Bee Keepers Association/ Don Faulkner.