Ryan Ralph Faulkenberry

Ryan Ralph Faulkenberry, 82, passed away Friday, August 1, 2025. Born in Lancaster, SC on June 25, 1943, he was the son of the late Ralph Prosser Faulkenberry and Faye Caskey Faulkenberry. Ryan attended Lancaster City Schools, graduating in 1961. He attended Clemson University and graduated in 1966 with a BS degree in forest management. He also received a master's degree in forestry management and statistics after returning from Viet Nam. He was awarded the Baruch Fellowship. He was a Xi Sigma Phi Academic Society member (top 10% Forestry graduate). Ryan completed a US Army Infantry Officers course at Ft. Benning, GA (Honor Graduate) in 1967 and from there graduated from Ft. Holabird, Maryland in Military Intelligence. He was awarded the Honor Medal 1st Class RVN (Foreign National Award given by SVN Army). He was a member of the Top Star Program (selected for advanced placement for 300 Captains Army wide), as well as a Captain in the US Army Reserve as C Company Commander 108 Division for 5 years. While serving in Viet Nam he was assigned to MAV as an advisor. He received the Bronze Star, Republic of Viet Nam Honor Medal 1st Class and was in the battle of Hue and DaNang in 1968. After returning from Viet Nam in 1968 to his loving wife, Judy Meredith Faulkenberry, Ryan attended graduate school. He then entered private business doing timber management and land development for various corporations and individuals. Ryan was Chairman of the Tennessee Mining Association for 2 years (220 coal miners). Addressing the strong environmental issues at the time was his chief duty as Chairman. He had much success. Ryan is survived by his devoted wife, Judy, of 58 years, son William Ryan (Jessica), daughter, Julie McMakin (John) and five grandchildren, John Franklin McMakin III (Jack), Meredith Cole McMakin (Meri Cole), Annabelle Jackson Faulkenberry (Annie), Madeleine Aiken Webb (Maddie), and Willie Hogan Webb. Ryan is also survived by a sister, Rosalyn F. Davis (Larry) from Rock Hill, SC. Ryan was a member of Roberts Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder for several terms and chaired many committees as well as being head trustee of the cemetery. One of his favorite things to do was play with the family cat, Simmy, who he often referred to as the boss of our home and we were her staff. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 6, at Roberts Presbyterian Church conducted by Rev. David Lytle and Dr. L. Jack Taylor. Entombment, with military honors, will follow at the Faulkenberry Family Mausoleum at Roberts Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the church prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Roberts Presbyterian Church, 2716 Highway 187 South, Anderson, SC 29626. Sullivan-King Mortuary