Billy “Bill” Ray Faulkenberry
Billy “Bill” Ray Faulkenberry passed away on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at his home in League City, Texas at the age of 92.
He was born on November 30th, 1928, in Panama, Oklahoma, to Frank and Edith Faulkenberry. He spent his early years attending school in Panama and playing sports. He had wonderful memories of his growing-up with lifelong friends. He later attended Northeastern State University earning his Bachelors and later his Masters Degree in Counseling.
Bill was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He always had time for his family and provided never ending support. Additionally, he was an accomplished woodworker.
Countless lives were touched through his teaching and coaching of over 38 years in both California and Oklahoma. He’s best remembered for his caring and encouraging ways of influencing students’ lives. Whether it was baseball, football, softball or the classroom, he was known for having the “Bark that Sparks.” He got the best from his students and players through a combination of love and discipline.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Edith and his sister Patsy.
Survived by his loving wife, Kathy, sons Bill Jr. and wife Marcia, Chris and wife Christy, cousin Gatha Tobler and husband Henry, grandchildren Krista Kastler and her husband Cameron, Kyle Kastler, Kersten Parrent and her husband Derek, Colby Kastler, Kaden Kastler, Casey Hurley, Katie Carter, Cameron Carter, and great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held in Caney, Kansas September 27, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Sunnyside Cemetery in Caney, Kansas. Visitation with the family will be held immediately afterward at Caney United Methodist Church at 114 N. High.
Coach was my mentor. He gave me my first coaching job. Jan my wife and myself owe him so much in helping us adjust to our first school. Kathy also was of great importance to helping both of us adjust to living with no family close. Bill was such a father figure and role model. He taught me many lifelong teaching and coaching skills. I don’t think my success in 33 years of coaching would of happened without coach and Kathy. He taught me how to win and loose with grace. More than just a game, but a lesson in life. We love both like blood family. Such wonderful memories with coach. A man among men! Yes he could “bark”instructions to us coaches and his athletes. Words cannot express my thanks to coach.
I met Bill on my first day of my teaching career in 1975. I have to say he changed my life forever on that day. Until that day I thought I was the wife of a history and geography teacher. Bill met my husband Stan and from that day forward I became the wife of a coach. So many good memories!!! We didn’t have to have any sons, we had plenty of them, starting with Billy. Before Bill met Kathy, Bill asked Stan if he could take me to dinner because he had something to say that I needed to hear. We went to Cottons in Panama for a hamburger. Oh! Those delicious juicy burgers from Cottons. He told me that being a coach’s wife was not easy. He pointed out how many divorced coaches there were. Bill said I could either sit at home doing my own thing and probably grow apart from my husband which would probably end up with me becoming single. Or, I could put my butt on the school bus with him every Tuesday and Friday nights and be a part of his life as a coach’s wife. I took his advice and went to every game for the next 38 years. Bill not only saved my marriage, but he provided me with the opportunity to receive so many wonderful, funny, and special sports memories. Bill actually taught me how to run a washing machine —washing uniforms on Saturday mornings which he conned me into doing by saying it was one of MY duties. Thank goodness Kathy came along and told me different—actually, she set him straight! Bill was a very patient man and a great mentor for Stan. Because of Bill and Johnny Hetherington, Stan became a coach. For these things I will alway credit Bill, thank him, and love him. My love to Kathy, Billy, and Chris.
Everyone loved being around Coach Faulkenberry. He had a really quick and dry sense of humor. I remember him as the model father to Billy and Chris. He gave my older son, J.L., Billy’s little catching equipment and made him want to be the next Johnny Bench.
That was the position he played throughout his varsity years!
He certainly influenced me to take the counseling route when I got my Masters degree.
Coach said he thought it would suit my personality and he must have been right as I just retired after 50 years!
His best influence was the impeccable manners he instilled in Billy. He and Kathy were a great team and I cherish the memories of 1975-82 as a Razorback.
Bill is a hero in Caney where the Faulkenberrys resided for many years. He was always enthusiastic, happy and helpful. The Faulkenberry home was always open to those requiring good, intelligent conversation and an easy chair. His service during the closing days of World War II was the capstone of a wonderful life. Blessings to Kathy and all the family.
Bill was a great mentor and father figure to me. I first met Bill and Kathy when I was a brand new teacher/coach in Caney in 1983. Bill not only gave me sage advice on how to handle teaching and coaching situations, but also how to act and treat people as a man. Bill became a lifelong friend, whether golfing, working in his wood shop or watching “Law and Order” together. I always enjoyed spending time with Bill. Grandpa Bill was a God-given gift to my kids. He was very special to them and they had a special bond with him. Thank you Bill and Kathy for letting my family become part of your family. We are all better people for the love, care and influence that you poured into our lives. Bill, may the Lord bless and keep you, and hold you in the palm of his hand.