Howard Marshall Faulkner

Howard Marshall Faulkner passed away July 15, 2021 at age 82 in Gaston County, NC where he lived the majority of his adult life.  His recent battle with Lymphoma was a demonstration of his strong nature in facing life's challenges with a sharp wit and courageous smile. Despite the adversity, Howard was a hero who stayed strong until his very last days. Howard was surrounded by family at his passing at the Robin Johnson Hospice House in Dallas, NC.

In no one's eyes was Howard more of a "hero" than his beloved daughter, Robin, and granddaughter, Ashlyn. He was so proud of Robin who lives in Charlotte and is a teacher for CMS Schools as well as the dance studio, BB Dance Productions. Also, a delight in his life was Ashlyn who lives in Raleigh working for the Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center. His son-in-law, Jeff, passed unexpectedly in August of 2015 bringing Howard's strength and presence even more of a steadfast comfort to his daughter and granddaughter.

He called Gastonia his home as that is where he married his lovely bride, Patricia, of 45 years and they raised their devoted daughter. He was born in Chicopee, GA to the late Irene Patton Faulkner and Norman Judge Faulkner on May 11, 1939. He was preceded in death by both parents, loving wife, "Pat," his sister, Norma Dyer and his brother, Sonny.

Left to cherish Howard's memories and continue his legacy are daughter, Robin Shore, granddaughter, Ashlyn Shore, his sister, Patsy Autry, and his cousin, Billy Head.

Howard proudly served in the U.S Army from 1962 until 1968 stationed primarily in Germany. He worked for the Wix Corporation in Gastonia, NC for 30 years. During that time, he also worked at Riverview Inn establishing lifelong connections and friendships.

Howard, also known affectionately as "Papa," greatly enjoyed being outside working in his yard, tending to his garden, and looking over his fish pond. He was quite the outdoorsman with a green thumb that could give life to anything he planted. He was dedicated to living a life of service and was guided by a strong faith in God that we pray now gives him peaceful rest.

His family asks you to remember his humble nature, dry humor, and kind generosity of spirit in your thoughts and prayers. In lieu of flowers, you may choose to honor his name with a memorial gift to the American Society for the Prevention and Cruelty to Animals at the following website: https://secure.aspca.org/donate/memorial .

A funeral service will be held 2:00 pm Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at Greene Funeral Service, West Chapel, 216 Archie Whitesides Rd., Gastonia, officiated by Pastor Johnny Yarboro.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Westview Gardens, Bessemer City , with military honors provided by the US Army National Guard and the Gaston County Honor Guard.

Arrangements are with the West Chapel of Greene Funeral Service, Gastonia.