Mike Faulkner

Mike Rufus Faulkner, 60, died early Sunday morning, July 28, 2013, at his Chattanooga home. He was a self-employed carpenter; former stage manager of almost 20 years for the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Association; and fellow union brother of the Local 140 International Alliance Theatrical Stage Employees.Blessed with a wonderful and powerful life, Mikes devotion to his family and friends will never be forgotten. His love for the beach, fishing, occasional seasonal hunting spree, and NASCAR Sprint Cup-die hard Tony Stewart fan, and music lover was apparent to anyone fortunate enough to have known him. He was admired by all as one who was always forthright and genuine. For those he left behind, we will be joyful with a bitter sweet smile on our faces forever hearing his voice ring in our ears saying, "Id rather be at the beach!" while the popular Van Morrison tune 'Into the Mystic' (one of Mikes all time favorites!) plays softly in the background:"We were born before the wind Also younger than the sunEre the bonnie boat was won As we sailed into the mystic.Hark, now hear the sailors crySmell the sea and feel the skyLet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic.And when that fog horn blowsI will be coming homeAnd when that fog horn blowsI wanna hear it, I don't have to fear it."His life was about his love of his wife, family, friends and life... let the tears flow only for a moment, then sleep and awake tomorrow knowing that what we had comes to few in a lifetime.He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph E. Faulkner; and brother, Ray Dee Faulkner.Survivors include his wife, Laura E. Parker Faulkner; daughters, Stacey Vaughn and Heather Merriman; sons-in-law, Jimmy Cannon and Ken Merriman; stepdaughter, Meghan OConnor; five grandchildren, Carlie, Caitlin, Cassie, Cade and Madilyn; one great-granddaughter, Harper; mother, June Harvey Faulkner, of Rosalie, Ala.; brother, Archie L. Faulkner, of Birmingham, Ala.; sister, Donna (Jim) Phillips, of Athens, Ga.; mother-in-law, Jean D. Parker of Chattanooga; nieces and nephews, Susan Faulkner, Becky Phillips Kushner, Daniel Phillips and David Phillips.Funeral services will be 1 p.m. today at Lane Funeral Home, Ashland Terrace with Rev. Jim Phillips officiating.Interment will follow in Rosalie Baptist Church Cemetery.Visit www.lanefh.com to share condolences.Visitation is 11:30-1 p.m. today at Lane Funeral Home, Ashland Terrace, 877-3524.