Gene Rogers Faircloth, Sr., age 84 of the Midway Community in Sampson County, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville.
Gene was born on July 4, 1936 in Harnett County the son of the late David Faircloth and Georgia Grantham Faircloth and is preceded in death by his first wife, Ivar Paul Johnson Faircloth and his step-father, James Faircloth. He is also preceded in death by brothers, Jimmy and Bobby Faircloth; sisters, Martha F. Whitley, Shelvy Jean Bell, Kathy Faircloth and Judy F. Hilliard.
When Gene turned 18 years old he told his parents he was leaving the farm and getting a job, so he left for Norfolk, Virginia and stayed with his uncle and aunt where he went to work at a Nursery, he then went to work on a Tugboat where he helped build the James River Bridge. He then joined the U.S. Army in 1955 and stayed in for 3 years. He decided he was tired of staying out in the woods so he joined the U.S. Air Force and retired with 26 years of service. He served in the Vietnam War and proudly served his country. He loved the military and being stationed at multiple Bases. He received the Heroism Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Vietnam Service Medal, Citations and many other Commemorative Medals. He was a part of the “Bat Patrol” during the Vietnam War, his plane’s wing was hit by enemy fire and was brought down, but he landed safely. He received the Bronze Star Medal for his heroism during this time. He was a flight engineer on a C 130 Airplane. He retired on October 31, 1981 with the rank of Senior Master Sargent at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.
Gene married Ivar Johnson in 1956, he and his wife had three children, his family was able to go with him when he was sent to Okinawa and Japan and other places. After retirement, Gene and Ivar bought a home in Erwin, and moved back to be close to their families. Gene’s wife, Ivar, died in 1984. Gene met Martha Sue in November 1985 and they got married in May, 1986.
After retiring from service and returning home Gene worked for Pinkerton Security at Erwin Mills and then worked at Waste Industries.
Gene and Martha Sue did a lot of traveling going to Germany, Italy, Hawaii and many other places, they even went multiple times on a cruise. Gene loved to hunt and fish, he loved to go flounder gigging and even bought a Flounder Boat and enjoyed taking his family and friends fishing. Gene enjoyed getting the land ready for planting the garden. He enjoyed watching what he planted grow, however when it got time to pick the vegetables Gene always had other plans and wasn’t up for that task.
Gene was member of Robert's Grove Original Freewill Baptist Church where he served in the Men’s Fellowship, Vanguard I Sunday School Class and on the Cemetery Committee. He was a member of Woodmen Life, and was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Robert's Grove Original Freewill Baptist Church with Dr. Ricky Warren officiating. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery with full military honors.
He is survived by: his wife of 34 years: Martha Sue Tew Faircloth of the home.
Son: Gene R. Faircloth, Jr. and (wife) Marie of Erwin, NC.
Daughters: Patty Ellis and (husband) Rick of Grovetown, Ga. and Ginger Bass and (husband) Bert of Dunn, NC.
Brothers: Joe Faircloth and (wife) Georgia of Fuquay-Varina, NC; Doug Faircloth and (wife) Gloria of Zuni, Virginia; Ronnie Faircloth and (wife) Donna of Chaplin, S.C.
Grandchildren: Gene R. Faircloth, III, Johnny Faircloth, Molly Deveraux and (husband) Justin, Michael Bass & (wife) Shannon, Shawna Woodward and (husband) Benjamin, Rick Ellis, Jr. and (wife) Sarah.
Great Grandchildren: Braydon Woodward & Carolyn, Naomi Woodward, Eli Woodward, Leanna Woodward, Madison Ellis, George Ellis, McKinnley Ellis, Ben Dale, Rachel Bass, Olivia Bass and Charlie Bass
Sisters-in-law: Pauline Faircloth of Texas; Linda Fay Faircloth of Virginia Beach, Va.
Brother-in-law: Johnny Hilliard of Holden Beach, NC.
And Many Nieces and Nephews.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 27, 2021 from 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm at Robert's Grove Original Freewill Baptist Church. Prior to the service.
Flowers are welcomed, but memorials may be made to Robert's Grove Original Freewill Baptist Church, P. O. Box 1173, Dunn, NC 28335 or to The Gene R. and Martha Sue Tew Faircloth Endowed Library Fund, at The University of Mount Olive, P.O. Box 90, Mount Olive, NC 28365. Attention: Hope Fields.
A Service of Cromartie Miller Funeral Home of Dunn NC
