Anthony Faulkner

Coach Anthony Gerald Faulkner, 53, died Sunday, March 29, in his home in Paragould, Arkansas. He was surrounded by his family. He was a coach and teacher at Paragould Junior High School. He also coached American Legion baseball for the community. Coach Faulkner was a graduate of Stanford High School and Arkansas State University. Coach Faulkner was preceded in death by his mother, Fay Faulkner, and nephew, Darin Russell, both of Paragould. He is survived by his wife, Dana, of the home; children, Hunter and Jordan Faulkner; parents, Larry and Linda Faulkner; mother-in-law, Martha Cavitt; sister, Tina Russell; brother and sister-in-law, Chris and Kathy Faulkner; nieces, Mallory (Chase) Causey and Zoe Russell; nephews, Gunner, Hayden, and Cade Faulkner; granddog, Henry; honorary daughter, Brook Zepecki; and honorary grandson, Jace Lane, all from Paragould. Coach Faulkner was married to his best friend for 29 years, was a model father to his two children, and a father figure to countless others. Coach Faulkner was the number one St. Louis Cardinal’s fan and loyal Arkansas Razorback fan. He loved playing, coaching, and watching baseball. He valued teaching integrity over winning as a coach, and it showed as his players moved on in life. He was an avid hunter and collector of Ducks Unlimited memorabilia. He was passionate about working with his students and players, and he touched the lives of everyone he met. He loved to tell stories and share memories. Coach Faulkner loved jokes and pranks and was always making everyone laugh. Coach Faulkner’s visitation will be at Heath Funeral Home Friday, April 3, from 6-8pm. His Celebration Service will be Saturday, April 4, at the Paragould High School auditorium at 2pm. His burial will follow at Memorial Gardens in Paragould. Memorials may be sent to the Coach Anthony Faulkner Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Paragould Athletic Booster Club, P.O. Box 1104, Paragould, AR 72451.