Stephen “Steve” Ray Faulconer Sr., age 71, of Monroe, beloved husband, father, “papa,” and friend to many, is playing a banjo in eternal glory after departing this life with family by his side on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
Born Nov. 13, 1953, in Lynchburg, he was the son of the late Hayes Simmons Faulconer and Madeline Campbell Faulconer and the grandson of the late Charles and Inez Faulconer. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Larry Faulconer.
He met the love of his life, Brenda Arrington Faulconer, in 1973 at The Revival Center in Monroe. They wed on Oct. 3, 1975, in Madison Heights and shared 49 wonderful years of marriage and many happy memories with their children and grandchildren.
Steve grew up in the Monroe area of Amherst County and lived on his family’s land on Myrtle Street every year of his life. A graduate of Amherst County High School, he worked for Westover Dairy in Lynchburg, was the owner of Steve’s Market in Faulconerville, and retired from the United States Postal Service after 23 years of service.
As a rural mail carrier at the Monroe Post Office, he drove many of the roads and back roads of Amherst, his home county he had a deep affection for and spoke fondly of. In retirement, he enjoyed spending time on his land, riding his lawn mower, morning and afternoon drives, and watching sunsets from his porch.
Talking about his childhood and sharing memories of country life in Monroe was among his favorite pastimes, often speaking of the “Wreck of the Old 97” and the songs it inspired. He was involved in various groups, including serving as president of the Monroe Ruritan Club and as a Grand Master Mason in Amherst. A believer and follower of Jesus Christ, he loved singing Gospel hymns and regularly led prayers at family gatherings.
A lover of history, the outdoors, old westerns, and cinematic classics, he relished laughter and uplifting those around him. A talented musician with a sincere passion for bluegrass and Gospel, he was well-known for playing music in countless events and festivals throughout the county, commonwealth, and surrounding states for several decades.
As a teenager, he was part of the Central Virginia Wildcats band. He later was a founding member of the James River Bluegrass Association. He started “Monroe Boys,” which later became the award-winning “Monroe Station,” and was lead singer and guitarist of the Gospel bluegrass band “Spiritual Strings.”
For many years, he was a key part of weekly “pickin’” sessions in the basement of his childhood home on Myrtle Street, where he often played songs on his guitar, banjo, and mandolin as loved ones gathered to listen.
He often talked about the three-finger banjo “Scruggs style” method that is a defining characteristic of bluegrass and loved watching The Grand Ole Opry. In his musical career, he was proud to have met and interacted with bluegrass icon Ralph Stanley, and he performed with Joe Isaacs, among a host of other musicians.
He loved his morning coffee, singing while making breakfast, perfecting the art of “Papa’s pancakes,” and sharing his deep love for music with his grandchildren and many who knew him.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister, Linda Sprouse (Allen); brother, Mike Faulconer; son, Stephen “Steve” Faulconer Jr. and his wife, Shelby; his daughter, Bethany Hill and her husband, Andrew; and son, Justin Faulconer and his wife, Kelly; grandchildren, Caitlin Burcham (Daniel), Nicholas Mays (Brittany), Logan Faulconer, Andrew Hill, Madison Faulconer, Michael Hill, and Nathan Hill; great-grandchildren, Waylon Mays, Kayleigh Mays, Jayden Norfolk, sister-in-law, Helen Faulconer, and beloved nieces, Melissa and Lorrie.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Whitten Monelison Chapel in Madison Heights. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Whitten Monelison Chapel officiated by Rev Thomas C. Brooks, Sr. and Rev Kenneth Arrington.
