Russell Olds Faulkner

FAULKNER FOLEY, ALABAMA Russell Olds Faulkner, age 92, a native of Louisiana and a resident of Foley passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2019. Russell, known to many as “Russ,” was born in DeRidder, Louisiana, on May 5, 1927. While in High School, Russ earned the Eagle Scout rank with the Boy Scouts of America, and worked on aquatic staffs for camps in the Calcasieu Area Council. His scoutmaster, Mid Cole, was a great influence on him to the point where Russ aspired to be a professional scouter. He graduated from DeRidder High School and attended Louisiana State University (L.S.U.) until Uncle Sam called him into the U.S. Army. While serving in the Army, Russ was called on to initially use his Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC), American Red Cross Water Safety training, and Boy Scouts of America backgrounds as an asset to promote him to the point of directing swimming pools. He was stationed at various bases culminating with a stint at Camp Chafee (now Fort Chafee), where he met Bertha May Clinger (“Bert”), who he married on June 1, 1948. Bert was originally from California, but relocated to Arkansas and joined the Women’s Army Corps (WACs). Russ and Bert moved to Baton Rouge for Russ to continue his education at LSU, completing his Bachelor’s degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) in 1950. While in school, Russ and Bert gave birth to David Russell Faulkner (“Davey”) in April of 1949. Russ recalled being called out of class at L.S.U. to attend to Bert. After completing his Bachelor’s degree, the family returned to DeRidder where Russ was employed as the Beauregard District Executive. While living in DeRidder, the family increased: Margaret Ann was born in June of 1951 and Mary Jo was born in September of 1952. Russ served the Boy Scouts in many capacities, one being Camp Director of Camp Edgewood. Late in the winter of 1955, Russ accepted a position as Assistant Scout Executive with the Tennessee Valley Council. While in Huntsville, Bert gave birth to John Robert (“Johnny”) in December of 1956. On January 1, 1959, the family relocated to Mobile, Alabama, where Russ served as Scout Executive. Russ was instrumental in developing Maubila Scout Reservation, between Grove Hill and Jackson, Alabama, as a camp for the Scouts to use for years to come. Russ worked on National and World Jamboree staffs and attended Philmont Scout Ranch during his tenure. His family was also committed to the Scouts, with Bert being a Den Mother and the daughters as Girl Scouts. Johnny was also active in the Scouts, as was David. Russ was proud of his work with the Scouts until he resigned late in 1969. During his post-scout years, he sold insurance, ran a landscaping/horticulture business, was a night guard, and inspected welding, until health issues led him to retire. Russ has been a Christian since his childhood, having served as a volunteer in the various churches in which he has joined. He was an ordained Deacon at several Southern Baptist Churches, and served as Sunday School and Training Union Coordinator/Director, involved on various committees, and was at church nearly every time the doors opened. Russ used his gifts of Administration and talent of singing as best he could, even substituting as music director. Russ took his final breath as a suffering servant and first breath in a glorified body on July 17. Mr. Faulkner was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Bertha May Clinger Faulkner, parents; Lee Onidas Faulkner and Laura Green Faulkner, brother; Herman (Francis) Faulkner, sisters; Pearl (Redd) Cutler, Tiny (Joseph) Heatly, nephews; James Heatly, Charles Heatly and a great grandson Gabriel Steele.He is survived by his children, Dr. David R. (Belinda) Faulkner of Butler, PA, Margaret Ann (Wayne) Janosz of Bessemer, AL, Mary Jo Faulkner-Steele of Gulf Shores, AL and John R. Faulkner, Sr. of Vinemont, AL, grandchildren; Stephanie (Daniel) Gray, Jeremy (Brianna) Faulkner, Maura (Brian) Cooke, Robin Durham, Steven (T.J.) Williams, Anthony (Jennifer) May, Shelby “Nikki’ (Matthew) Boyd, John R. Faulkner, Jr., Kyle Faulkner, Sara (Jason) Fresh, great grandchildren; Nolan Gray, Varda Gray, Tyndale Gray, Ryan Hermecz, Shelby Hermecz, Christopher Cooke, Breanna Williams, Phillip Durham, Jr., Brian Williams, Kamron Williams, Ashley May, Tyler May, Parker Cole, Brooklynn Mae, Blake Faulkner, Dustin Faulkner, Brakston Fresh, Greyson Fresh, Jamison Fresh, great grandson; Chase Bowling, nieces; Winn (Robert) Lee of Katy, TX, cousins; Blake Blakewood of Pineville, LA, nephews; Robert Lee of Houston, TX, Cliff (Sherri) Lee of Katy, TX, Henry Heatly of San Antonio, TX, Joseph Heatly of Dubai, and many other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Russell’s Life will be held Monday, July 22, 2019 at 11:00am from the First Baptist Church of Gulf Shores, AL. 2200 W 1st St. Gulf Shores, AL 36542. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.   ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. 2551 SOUTH MCKENZIE ST. FOLEY, AL 36535 251-943-2391 www.wolfefuneralhomes.com