James Smith Faulkenberry

LANCASTER, SC Mr. James Smith Faulkenberry, 89, died Wednesday evening, December 30th, surrounded by his loving family. The Funeral Services are 3pm Sunday, January 3, 2021 at Second Baptist Church of Lancaster. The family will receive friends before the service from 2-3pm in the vestibule of the church. A private entombment will follow at the Lancaster Memorial Park. Smith was born on his father's birthday, July 31, 1931. He was born at home, delivered by a mid-wife. The family lived in the Charlesboro Community in southern Lancaster County, SC. He was the 7th member of a large family of 10. He was the 4th of 5 sons, born to Allie Mae Belle and William Raymond Faulkenberry. Having been born in the middle of the great depression, Smith learned early that you have to work hard to achieve. He was always striving to better himself in every undertaking. Smith's entrepreneurial nature and natural sales talent, along with his outgoing personality and excellent people skills, led him to have quite a diverse work history. He spent a summer helping construct a nuclear power plant. He owned his own TV/Radio repair shop when people were just beginning to have home television, and he made house calls! Smith became an industrial sewing machine mechanic. He owned, operated and managed a furniture store. This was only the first half of his working career. In the 2nd half, Smith decided to enter the real estate market. He was a natural at selling homes! Once he graduated from the Realtor's Institute and became a broker, he ran Faulkenberry Realty for many years. Along with his Christian standards and beliefs, he was a devotee of Norman Vincent Peale and Dale Carnegie, and he applied their positive principles in his approach. Later, in his mid-sixties , when most people retire, he obtained his State of SC Builder's License. He then built and sold houses. He also started another business called A-1 Home Inspection, which he operated well into his seventies. Smith always said if you're going to do something, give it your all and do it right! He was a perfectionist. Smith always gave God the credit for any success he had. He loved to share the Good News of Salvation with anyone, even strangers. He passed out pamphlets with the Plan of Salvation. He knew Jesus was the answer- for him and everyone! Smith was married to Shirley nearly 70 years. He loved his wife and family more than life itself. He was a role model and patriarch for the family. He is survived by his wife Shirley Faulkenberry, his daughter Cindy Williams (Chuck). His son Marty Faulkenberry (Gayle). He is survived by his grandchildren Melanie Shull (Kendt), Megan Williams, Christi Gardner, Amanda Scott (Benji), and Charlotte Cloud (Kapp). He is survived by his great grandchildren Ryleigh Metts, Kendan Shull, Logan Gardner, Jordan Gardner, Madelynn Gardner, Kamryn Cloud, Piper Scott, Karter Cloud, Colton Scott, Kane Cloud, and Kole Cloud. He is survived by two brothers Frank (Jean, deceased) and Ezra (Ann). He is survived by two sisters Annie Ray Brown (Bill, deceased) and Joan Robinson (Jack, deceased). He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Mary Lou Faulkner, Rosalee F. Faulkenberry, and Julia Kennington, and brothers, Rev. Lewis "Sam," and Bill. The family suggests memorials be made to Second Baptist Church Building Fund, 1426 Great Falls Highway, Lancaster, SC 29720 or to a charity of your choice. FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS OF MR. SMITH FAULKENBERRY HAVE BEEN ENTRUSTED TO JERRY HARTLEY FUNERAL HOME, 684 HUBBARD DRIVE LANCASTER, S.C. 803-285-8000 .