John Edmond Faulkner (Coach Faulkner), age 86 of LaFollette

Mr. John Edmond Faulkner (Coach Faulkner), age 86 of LaFollette went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 11, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born December 18, 1939 in LaFollette to Edmond and Maria Faulkner. John was also a devoted husband to his wife of 62 years, Margaret, and a loving father who never missed a school or sporting event for his children.

Coach Faulkner was a guiding light at Campbell County High School and Williamsburg High School. His dedication to the young people he mentored, both on and off the track was unwavering. He instilled lessons about perseverance, teamwork, integrity, and grace that extended far beyond the finish line. He was known for his inspiring energy, encouraging words, and his ability to push his athletes to believe in themselves and achieve their greatest potential. His profound impact on students and the running community was monumental and his legacy will live on in every life he touched.

Coach Faulkner was a member, Deacon, and former Sunday School Teacher at First Baptist Church of LaFollette, a 1959 graduate of LaFollette High School, and attended Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. From there he came to the University of the Cumberlands, formerly Cumberland College, Williamsburg, KY where he was a 1963 graduate. He was a career educator and coach, and founded the track and field program at the newly constructed Campbell County High School, a position he held from 1975-1989.

His achievements are many, including coaching Williamsburg High School to the 1974 State Championship, and was inducted into the University of the Cumberlands Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000 for his achievements and stellar athletic career. Under his coaching leadership at CCHS, the track and field program has produced numerous state champions and state meet appearances, and remains one of the most successful and decorated track and field programs in the state of Tennessee. In 2024, John and his wife, Margaret were the recipients of the Elbert K. Fretwell Award for exceptional service to education presented at the annual Campbell County Good Scout Award Dinner, and for their outstanding service to the community, the City of LaFollette declared April 28, 2025 as John and Margaret Faulkner Day.

He is preceded in death by Parents, Edmond and Maria Faulkner, son, John Edmond Faulkner, II, son-in-law, Tim Malicote, brother, Jack Faulkner, and sisters, Mary Lil Griffith and Anne Roback.

John is survived by his wife Margaret, his daughters, Kris Malicote, and Jill O’Grady and husband, Mike, his grandchildren, Tim and Natalie Malicote, Kayla and Clark Woods, Matthew Malicote, Samantha Faulkner and Spencer, Abi Faulkner, Sam and Felicia Lemons, Josh and Deborah O’Grady, and John and Allen O’Grady, his great-grandchildren, Tucker Malicote, Jackson, Kendall, Kimber, and Trace Woods, Sawyer Faulkner, and Saul, Simon, and Samson Lemons, sister-in-law, Binnie Faulkner, and brothers-in-law, Lowell Griffith and Zafer Roback.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 16, 2026 from 12:00 – 2:00 PM at Fist Baptist Church of LaFollette. The family invites all who knew him to honor his memory. A Celebration of Coach Faulkner’s Life will be held at 2:00 PM with Michael Walden and Rev. Phil Fischbach officiating. Interment will follow at Jacksboro Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to: First Baptist Church of LaFollette, 255 West Central Ave., LaFollette, TN 37766. Walters Funeral Home of LaFollette is honored to be serving the family of Mr. John Edmond Faulkner.