Billy Gene Faulkner

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Billy Gene Faulkner. Billy was called to rest on July 17, 2026 at the age of 78 at his home in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Billy Gene Faulkner was born on September 5, 1947 in Rowletts, Hart County, Kentucky to Cecil Jerry and Gertrude (Coats) Faulkner. At an early age, Billy gave his life to Christ. He attended and got baptized at Woodsonville Baptist Church. He graduated from Munfordville High School. During his high school years, Billy excelled at basketball and obtained numerous awards including a scholarship at Cumberland College.

During his time at Cumberland College, he enrolled in the US Army where he fought in the Vietnam War. In August 1969, Billy was an Army Ranger where he earned a Bronze Star Medal for Valor. When returning to the states, he was a Military Police.

Billy worked in management in the food service industry. In 1993, the Indiana Black Expo nominated Billy as the “Outstanding Black Businessman of the Year”. Billy was fortunate to have owned his own business, Faulkner’s Sandwich Machine, in Indianapolis. During his down time, Billy loved maintaining his yard and car. His hobbies included golfing, riding his bicycle, softball, basketball and playing cards.

In the retirement era, Billy enjoyed playing with his grandkids, golfing, working in the yard, grilling out and sitting on the porch entertaining his neighbors and friends. Billy will be remembered for many personality traits like his kindness, humor, generosity, compassion and loving heart. He will have a lasting impact on everyone who knows him.

Billy Gene Faulkner is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dorothy Jean (Frazier) Faulkner, his children: Billie Colette Congleton (Daniel), Michael Ricardo Berry (Ashley), his grandchildren: Vincent Faulkner-Orlandi, Marissa Orlandi, Evan Daniels, Joshua Berry, Aliyah Berry and Mikayla Berry; great grandchildren: Lennox Hughes, and Wren Berry : his siblings: Dorothy “Jan” Faulkner, Kersondra “Sond” Faulkner (Phillip), Cynthia “Kaye” Faulkner, Melissa “Lisa” Faulkner, Terry Faulkner, David Faulkner (Sheila), Larry Faulkner (Jenny). Friend to the end: John Lee Gates. Billy has a host of nieces/nephews, great nieces/nephews, cousins, aunts/uncles, and many cherished friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Cecil Jerry “CJ” Faulkner, Gertrude Coats Faulkner, brother: Jerry Faulkner; Sister- in-Law: Jeanette (Jenny) Faulkner; nieces: Martasha Qurvette Faulkner, Terri Elizabeth Faulkner; nephew: Jeffery Percell.

A private memorial and celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Thank you so very much for all the prayers and support. I know God has Billy now and always. I loved him so much and I know he will watch over me. God knew Billy was tired and needed to come home to rest. As much as it saddens me, I was willing to let him go. No more pain, no more suffering.

-Your loving wife, Jean

"Forever in our hearts. To know him is to love him."