Melvin G. Faulkner

Dr. Melvin G. Faulkner – age 97, of Knoxville passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2012. He was born in Reidsville, N.C. to the late Mr. and Mrs. Joe Bedford Faulkner and one of twelve children. Dr. Faulkner married Mary Beatrice Dunovant Faulkner on July 17, 1939. Ordained by the Temple Baptist Church in 1939, he got his B.A. from Guilford College in 1944, B.D from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1947, Masters in Theology 1948, and PHD. in 1950. His life as a servant lead him to pastor: Lebanon Baptist, Greensboro, N.C. (1939-45) Sonora Baptist Church, Sonora, Ky. (1945-51) Arlington Baptist Church, Knoxville, TN. (1951-59) First Baptist Church, Erwin, TN (1959-80). While at Arlington Baptist Church, he was instrumental in starting Wallace Memorial Baptist Church. Dr. Faulkner's various denominational positions held included: President of Knox County Baptist Pastor's Conference (1957), President Unicoi County Ministerial Assn. (1963), Member of TN. Baptist Executive Board, (1957 -71, 1977-), Member of State Education Committee (1960 -66), Chairman of State Audits Committee (1961-62), Chairman of State Committee on Committees (1974 -77), Vice President of TN Baptist Pastor's Conference (1974), Member of State Missions Committee (1964-70, 1977-), Member of State Baptist Student Union Committee (1964-70), Member of the Advisory Board, East Tennessee Baptist Hospital (1953-70), Member of Advisory Board, Carson Newman College, (1965-76), Chairman of Evangelism Committee of the Holston Assn., for nine years, Chairman of Missions Committee of the Holston Assn., (1974-77), and Trustee of the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1974-86). Conducted revivals in North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Alaska, Illinois, and Kentucky, and conducted tours of our foreign Mission Fields and travelled in 40 Countries of the World. Following his retirement in 1980, he served as interim pastor for several churches in the Knoxville area. He also taught an Adult Sunday School Class for many years at First Baptist Church of Knoxville, where he was member. Remembered by his family as a loving husband, devoted family man, world traveler, avid gardener, and devoted servant. He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years Mary Dunovant Faulkner; daughters and sons in law, Gail and Paul Ivie of Knoxville, TN, Joy Robertson of Villa Ricca, GA, and Becky and Tom Jackson of Maryville, TN; grandchildren, Whit Robertson, Alex Ivie, Kristin Ivie, Nick Robertson, Jennifer Jackson, and Spencer Jackson; great grandchild, Lily Robertson; and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of Dr. Faulkner's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church of Knoxville officiated by Dr. William D. Shiell and Reverend Dave Ward. Entombment will be private. The family will receive friends Friday from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Knoxville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to either the Benevloence Fund or Debt Retirement Fund of First Baptist Church, 510 W. Main Street, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902. Online condolences may be extended at www.rosemortuary.com. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.

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Melvin G. Faulkner

December 16, 1914 - January 17, 2012