Olin Faulkenberry, age 84, a long-time resident of Merritt Island, passed away on Easter Sunday – April 12, 2020. Born May 2, 1935 in Lancaster County, South Carolina, to James Redman and Exie Janie Faulkenberry; he was one of 18 children. After growing up working on the family farm and then the local textile mill, he joined the US Army on December 2, 1954.
He began his military career as an Infantryman (11B10); after his first tour he returned home, working at the textile mill, for 1 month and 21 days – quickly realizing he had more to offer and more to do. He returned to the service and the rest is, as they say – history. And what a history of service it was, for over 22 years. Along the way he was awarded (he would NOT say earned) multiple commendations, service ribbons, and badges; among these were the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He saved countless lives by his selfless actions but spoke only of his wartime service in rare moments with family – and usually because he felt he needed to teach a lesson to the individual(s) with whom he was sharing. He also served as an Intelligence Analyst (96B40) and eventually transitioned into the S4 (Supply, Transportation, & Logistics) field; he retired as a Master Sergeant, having served as 1SG (11B50) for HQ Command FORSCOM, as well as acting Sergeant Major for his last unit in Pirmasens, Germany.
He settled his family on Merritt Island in the summer of 1976; he continued his service to the country and extended it to the community as a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) instructor, shaping the minds and lives of the youth in a way that only he could (even those not enrolled in the JROTC program); initially at Rockledge High School as a temporary position, he quickly found another ‘home’ at Merritt Island High School where he was the Army JROTC instructor for the next 19+ years. Let it be known that he lived with, and will always be known to have, the heart of a MUSTANG. Each of his 5 sons had the honor to be instructed by him over the years, with each one discovering it best to leave “Dad” at home, learning to call him “Sarge” just like everyone else – and this is how his Merritt Island family will always know him, because when one mentions ‘the Sarge’ there is no doubt to whom they refer.
As a loving husband he is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Sandra Lee Faulkenberry. He is also preceded in death by his parents and 13 brothers and sisters. As a father he is survived by his 5 sons: Marshall (Hellen), James, Bret (Carolyn), Bart (Crystal), and Daniel; his 4 sisters: Margaret Nichols, Aline Lane, Nita Childers, and Geraldine (Mark) Lowery; his 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; and finally, an incredible extended family in his childhood hometown of Lancaster County, South Carolina.
In accordance with the current regulations a private family service will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 10:00. A Facebook live stream will be available for viewing by visiting
https://www.facebook.com/brevardmemorialfuneral/
A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date to allow for full military honors and a broader participation of loved ones, friends, and others that wish to join the family in celebrating Olin’s life, and the many lives that he touched over the years.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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