Charles "Charlie" Faulkner, 83 years young

Survived by his wife, three daughters, their families and numerous family members, Charlie was a man that was dearly loved, is already deeply missed, and will always be cherished. He was an amazing husband, father, son, uncle, brother and grandfather.

Charlie's story begins on February 20, 1935 in Knoxville, Tennessee, the oldest child of Arnold and Etta Faulkner. Brother to Donald (Glenda) Faulkner, and Juanita (Mario) Salvatore. The Lord called Etta home at an early age, which brought the joy of a new mother, Willie Ann and two new brothers Jim (Geneva) Baker and Melvin (Dorothy) Baker to the Faulkner family.

Soon after this, the family relocated to Detroit, Michigan when Arnold received an employment opportunity with Ex-Cell-O Corporation. In Detroit is where Charlie met the love of his life, Joanne Elaine Parcells. Thanks to Bernie Sytniak for setting these two up on a blind date! On May 11, 1963 they pledged their love to each other at Willie Ann's home officiated by Rev. Laird from Central United Methodist Church in Detroit. 55 years later that bond of love still holds strong.

Charlie and Joanne were first blessed with a son Mark Andrew Faulkner, an angel lent to them for but for few special weeks (Jul 1-Aug 16, 1966). Every night Charlie came in from work he gave his baby son a kiss. We are certain the first thing he did in heaven was give Mark another long-awaited kiss!

As Charlie loved to say, he set out to build his army but ended up building a harem instead! He would then add, "joking aside, I wouldn't trade my 'Charlie's Angels' for anything in the world!" His daughter's Cheryl (Tim) Bourque, Cyndi Bucciarelli (Ryan Smith) and Sharon Faulkner will never forget the lessons learned from such a great man.

Charlie's grandchildren were his pride and joy! There is no denying that his four grandkids melted his heart, made him an old softie, and were the people he loved the most! Time spent with "Papa" was a true treasure to Alyssa Maria Bucciarelli, Lorenzo Robert Bucciarelli, Kristina Lynn Bourque and Kaitlyn Renee Bourque.

Charlie is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends who also hold his love dear to their hearts.

Visitation on Thursday, July 26 ^th 2:00pm-7:00pm with a 7:00pm Scripture Memorial Service at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home, 1139 N. Inkster Road, Garden City, Michigan. Charlie's final resting place will be the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan, honoring his Army veteran status and commemorating his service to our nation.

In lieu of flowers, family suggests the following memorials that benefited Charlie in his life:

American Heart Association                         A Hero's Legacy – the Joe Johnson Foundation

http://www.heart.org                                     http://www.aheroslegacy.com/