Cecil Ray Faulkner, age 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 18, 2026, at Chelsey Park Health and Rehab in Dahlonega, Georgia. His passing marks a bittersweet, beautiful reunion, as Cecil and his beloved wife and best friend, Patsy Pate Faulkner, passed away on the exact same day, exactly one year apart.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Crestwood Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Cecil was born on September 22, 1943, to Maverine Miller James. He grew up in the Attalla and Gadsden, Alabama area, where he chose a life defined by absolute gentleness. Known by everyone as the sweetest man you could ever meet, he deeply loved the Lord, cherished his friends, enjoyed evening car rides with his bride Patsy for milkshakes and hamburgers, and was famous for his bright spirit and love of telling jokes and playing harmless pranks.

Cecil was a dedicated worker and retired from the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company plant in Gadsden after giving them roughly 30 years of hard work and service. Following a severe stroke on May 22, 2026, which left him non-verbal and unable to move his right side, he was moved to Dahlonega, Georgia. There, he spent his final months surrounded by the comfort of his granddaughter, Tiffany (David) Luker, and his three adoring great-grandchildren, Tinsley, Tessa, and Tanner, who lived nearby and cherished their time caring for him.

He was preceded in death by his soulmate, Patsy; his mother, Maverine; his stepfather, Bethel James; his three brothers who grew up alongside him, Jimmy, Tommy, and Jerry James; and his beloved son, Mitchell Ray Faulkner.

Cecil was a proud father to his two boys, and his surviving son, Jonathan Lee Faulkner, will always hold a very special place in his heart. His beautiful legacy of kindness and joy continues to be carried on by his granddaughter, Tiffany Luker and her husband David; his three great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Marilyn James; his first cousin, Chris Mason and his wife Nancy; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends whose lives were made sweeter just by knowing him.

Cecil will be brought home to Alabama to be laid to rest alongside his beautiful wife, Patsy, and his son, Mitchell, at Crestwood Memorial Cemetery in Gadsden, Alabama.