William Thomas Faulkner

October 30, 1948 – August 26, 2025

William Thomas Faulkner, 76, of Southport, NC, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born October 30, 1948, in Washington DC and he spent his youth growing up in Jones County, North Carolina.

Bill built his life on faith, family, and hard work. He and his beloved wife, Doris Lynn Faulkner, shared 57 years of marriage, raising their family in Winfield, Louisiana, and New Bern, North Carolina, and later cherishing the blessings of grandchildren and great-grandchildren while living in Youngsville, NC, Jacksonville, FL, Oak Island, and Southport, NC.

Bill dedicated much of his early career to work as a sawmill engineer before moving into sawmill sales. After raising his four children, he transitioned into elevator sales and spent the last 13 years working alongside his son, Tommy, at Real Elevator. His honesty, work ethic, and dedication left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Beyond his career, William was an active member of the Jaycees in both Louisiana and New Bern and remained deeply devoted to his faith and the Catholic Church.

He loved camping, spending time in nature and taking countless cruises with his wife and family. “Papa,” as he was affectionately known, was beloved by his eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren (who called him “Little Papa”) plus countless others who were drawn in by his warmth, humor, and steady love.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Horace Elwood Faulkner and Mary Jane Faulkner.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Doris Lynn Faulkner, and their four children:

Angela “Angie” Lawrence (“Robena”) and her husband John Lawrence of Caswell Beach, NC, and their children Samantha Franklin and her husband Adam Franklin (children Dawson and Charleston Jane), and Bobbi Jane Lawrence-Curtis and her husband Zavier Curtis.

William Thomas “Tommy” Faulkner V and his wife Jennifer of Cedar Point, NC, and daughter Reagan.

Jeffrey “Jeff” Faulkner of Youngsville, NC, and his sons Spencer and Blake.

Joseph “Joey” Faulkner and his partner Kris of Oxford, NC, and children Kaelin, Bryan, and Skylar.

He also leaves behind his brothers Patrick Faulkner; Bob Faulkner and his wife Angie; Paul Faulkner and his wife Phyllis; as well as nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

In addition, Bill’s heart was always open to many “adopted” children and grandchildren, who will forever remember him as “Papa”.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Southport, NC, on what would have been his 77th birthday.

Bill’s legacy of love, humor, faith, and devotion will live on in each life he touched.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com

Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.