June 22, 2024, 80, LaGrange —

March 8, 1944 – June 22, 2024

Edward Earl Faulkner, 80, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Ed was born in Lenoir County to the late Harry Bruce and Hazel Grady Faulkner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann Lee Faulkner; and siblings, Doris Sumner, Barbara Anne Faulkner, and Bobby Ray Faulkner.

Self-employed as a dump truck driver, Ed was the owner of E.E. Faulkner Grading and Trucking for many years. Known by his handle, Rooster, Ed was larger than life in his personality. Always finding a way to pick on everyone, he could light up a room with his jokes and his smile. A constant flirt with the ladies, he attracted the attention of those around him with his quick wit and catchy lines. Those who knew Ed best knew his softer side; he was kind-hearted and deeply tender-hearted.

When Ed wasn’t working, there was no better activity than fishing. Wherever he was and whatever he was doing, life was better when he was smoking a Pall Mall Green and sipping on some sweet tea.

A memorial service to celebrate Ed’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Briary Run Church, 413 Briery Run Road, Kinston, NC 28501. A private committal will be held for Ed and his late wife, Patricia, at Fairview Cemetery in La Grange.

Ed is survived by his children, Beth Gresham (Ashley), Edward Earl “Eddie” Faulkner, Jr. (Tonya), Melinda Trotter, and Melissa Bailey; step-children, Rodney Edwards and Steve Edwards; grandchildren, Rodney Edwards, Jr. (Ashley), Amber Frazzelle (Quinton), Tiffany Bailey (Jordan Parr), Olivia Bailey, Blake Bailey, Andrew Trotter, Lauren Faulkner, Nathan Trotter, Bailey Faulkner, Rylie Gresham, Wyatt Faulkner, Grayson Bailey, Sadie Gresham, and Katie Gresham; great-grandchildren, Rodney Edwards, III, Layton Frazzelle, and Eliza Frazzelle; and special friend, Jenny Cahoon.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.