J.R. Faulkner-- Good Bye-- See You Again

Today, I attended the funeral of J.R. Faulkner, a great man and positive influence on my life. J.R. Faulkner served for almost fifty years as the second man to Dr. Lee Roberson, Pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church and President of Tennessee Temple University. Under the leadership of Drs. Roberson and Faulkner, Highland Park Baptist became the largest Church in the South and Tennessee Temple had thousands of students, in its' hey-day. One can read the obituary of J.R. Faulkner by linking on to this site: J.R. Faulkner Obituary
The funeral of Dr. Faulkner was led by his five sons. Peter, a missionary with Source of Light, gave thanks to all present. Steve, a missionary to Canada, gave the eulogy. Bobby, a Christian layman and wonderful son, led in prayer. Randall, Pastor in Oklahoma, brought the main message. Paul led two hymns as powerfully as his dad used to lead singing.The closing hymn was Crown Him with Many Crowns, a song Dr Faulkner woke up singing a week before his deadh. Grandchildren sang and gave tributes. The highlight was special music provided by a choir of Faulkner grandchildren. Peter's wife sang My Savior First of All as beautifully and powerfully as the song has ever been sung. Read below a brief biography of J.R. Faulkner as posted on the website of Michael Guido.
J. R. Faulkner retired in 1990, then served as Interim Pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church until 1991.
Dr. Faulkner was first a teacher at T.T.U., then Vice President for 22 years; and in 1974 he became President. Dr. Lee Roberson wrote about Dr. Faulkner - “In the many years of my work, I have found no one to equal Dr. Faulkner in fruitfulness, purity of life, and dedication to the cause of Christ. As a multi-talented man, he performed every task with precision, enthusiasm, zeal, and spiritual power. As a song leader, artist, administrator, preacher or soul winner, he worked with an unquestioned whole-heartedness. We continue to walk together in the work of our Saviour!!”
Dr. Faulkner served as pastor of South Rossville Baptist Church, Rossville, Georgia, from 1945 - 1949, when he accepted the Associate Pastor position at Highland Park Baptist Church, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Dr. Faulkner said, “I have chosen to live within walking distance of Highland Park Baptist Church in case my car does not start on Sunday morning I can still walk to church and be on time for my duties.”
He was faithful first to Christ, to his wife and family and to Dr. Lee Roberson. If you were to place a picture by the word faithful in the dictionary–that picture should be of J. R. Faulkner.
The day was made further enjoyable as I rode to the funeral in Chattanooga with Mike Royer, News Announcer on TV-13 in Birmingham and a fellow graduate of Tennessee Temple University. Mike Royer is a tremendous Christian brother who, as a layman, speaks as fervently and as interestingly as any preacher I know. Any church or civic group would do well to contact Mike Royer as a speaker for any positive event.