Rudolph Jerome Faulkner Sr., affectionately known as “Tum,” “Tiny” or “Rudy,” died on Sept. 24 in Houston, Texas, surrounded by his family. He was born on March 11, 1943, on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, to the late James Edward Faulkner and Chrystalia Christian.
He was an all-star pitcher and outfielder for the Olympics, Royals and White Sox in the St. Thomas “Double A” (AA) baseball league in the ‘60s and ‘70s. He also played fast-pitch softball for the Vikings and was named to the V.I. team in international baseball competition.
He worked as a loan officer at Chase Manhattan Bank (which became First Bank) for 30 years. Later he worked as a collections specialist for the V.I. Port Authority from 2005 until his death.
He was an accomplished musician – best known for his work with the steel pan – who studied music at U.V.I. and played five instruments. He was one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist School Steel Orchestra, which he directed for many years and for which he sometimes composed music. He was an active member of the Shiloh Seventh-day Adventist Church where he regularly served as choir and music director.
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Vivian; four children: Rudolph Jr., Riel, Ronald and Rebecca Faulkner-Francis; six grandchildren; Rudy III, Melanie, Rosalie, Raeven, Jordan and Jayden; five brothers: John, Theodore, Jeneau and Vern Faulkner, and Euclid McBean; four sisters: Mercedes Williams, Amy Faulkner, Alda Frazier, and Gladys Conner; special in-laws: Alpha Leonard, Georgia George, Edwin, George, Euranice Chesterfield, Ritza DeGout, Wilfred Smith and Janelle Robinson; And many other nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws too numerous to mention.
Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Shiloh Seventh-day Adventist Church in Tutu. Burial will follow at Eastern Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that mourners consider a donation to the SDA School Steel Orchestra.
All arrangements are entrusted to Davis Funeral Home, 774-1464.
