He was born Jan. 20, 1951, to Tom and Lelia Wood “Bimmie” Faulkner and was the husband of 55 years to his beloved wife, Sharon Austin Faulkner of the home.

Ed spent 46 years as a commercial loan officer and blessed this community with his expertise in business finance and accounting. He was an advocate to help local business owners fulfill their dreams and aspirations to be self-employed. If you had a problem, he would work tirelessly to find a solution. Ed’s greatest spiritual gift was to edify and build people up with his words and affection. He never met a stranger and he constantly looked for people in need. Ed was a giver and never a taker. He was full of patriotism and took great pride in his own service to this country and to the service of his late son, Ed Jr.

Ed was full of optimism and the glass was always half full. He was a master of mathematics and also taught accounting at ACC just for fun. He had a deep passion for the game of golf and loved his golf friends. Ed loved his entire family unconditionally and that never ceased. He had a sense of humor that was contagious and you never left him without having a laugh. He was a devout Christian and loved Jesus. He never judged or criticized anyone and always felt led to meet people where they were. Ed and his wife, Sharon, facilitated the Grief Share ministry at Lambs Chapel for 10 years. His love for people that were struggling was his first priority.

Ed will be forever missed by anyone that knew him and he left an eternal mark on this community. He has been reunited with his heroic son, which he dreamed about daily. He was a picture of a life well lived and admired.

Ed is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughter, Sarah Vernon (Brian); granddaughter, Lauren Emery (Landon); brother, Robert “Robbie” Faulkner (Kathy); sisters, Donna “Dotsey” Paxton (George), Nena Woody (Taylor “T.G.”), Penni McMichael (Josh) and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Edward “Ed” Faulkner Jr.; brother, Tommy Faulkner; and sister, Lilly Hawkins.

A service to celebrate his life was held Monday, June 8, at First Baptist Church of Burlington by Pastor Brian Biggers. Burial followed at Gibsonville City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to AuthoraCare Collective (Hospice) of Alamance- Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.