George Thomas Faulkner

George Thomas Faulkner passed away in his home in Athens peacefully on October 28, 2021, after a long courageous fight with cancer. George was 87 years old.
Born in Athens, Ga., George was a son of the late Tom and Annie Mae Faulkner and stepson of the late Earlie Hardeman; brother and friend of the late Cora Lee Petrillo, Betty Thornton, Isabelle Chandler, Troy (Jack) Faulkner, and Don Faulkner.
After graduating from Athens High School, George attended UGA as well as Athens Tech. The friendships that were formed during these early years of George’s life were the friendships that he cherished and kept throughout his adult life. George valued the special times he shared with friends and family. George’s love for his family had no boundaries. George was loving, supportive, involved, and proud … proud to be the husband to Janice for 60 years, proud to be the father of their two children - Jeff (Patti) Faulkner, Todd (Stacey) Faulkner and especially proud to be called Pop by his grandchildren: Nick, Jake, Claxton (fiancé Leighton Broome), and Sydney Faulkner.
After retiring from the USDA with 33 years of service, George went into Zaxby’s franchising with his two sons Jeff and Todd, a business venture that he was extremely excited to be a part of. From the beginning, George enjoyed working in the stores and talking to the employees. George will fondly be remembered as “Mr. George” – the man who took the time to ask how their day was going.
Throughout George’s life he stayed active by working in the yard, playing volleyball, hiking, camping, canoeing, skiing (water and snow), going on many adventurous trips around the world, walking on the beach at St. Simons and enjoying the sunsets at Lake Hartwell. In the Fall on Saturdays, you could find George dressed in his red and black supporting his beloved Bulldogs. George enjoyed tailgating and watching the Bulldogs play both at Sanford Stadium and on the road. We can still hear him saying - “Go Dawgs!”
George’s celebration of life will be held on Thursday, November 4th at Lord and Stephens West. Visitation will be held from 12 - 2, with the service following. The family would like to thank the caregivers: Brenda, Denise, Lisa, and Barbara; as well as Dr. Flynt, Whitney, and the whole staff at the University Cancer and Blood Center for supporting, caring and being a friend to George during his battle with cancer. You fought the fight with a man who was determined to fight to the end. Donations in George’s memory can be made to The Cancer Foundation, Post Office Box 49309, Athens, Ga. 30604 or to Mars Hill Baptist Church where he was a member.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com