Thurston Upchurch Faulkner

Thurston Upchurch Faulkner, 91, of Beltsville, Maryland, passed away peacefully at home on October 10, 2026.

Born on June 6, 1935, in Henderson, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Ernest Eugene “Genie” Faulkner and Sudie Lee Faulkner. After earning an associate's degree from Louisburg College, where he played on the basketball team, and serving in the US Army at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Thurston moved to Arlington, Virginia, to begin his career with the Department of Defense. It was there that he met his future wife, Sally Harney. Following their marriage, the couple settled in Beltsville, Maryland, in 1970. Thurston later earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus and continued his career in public service as a human resources manager with the National Security Agency.

Thurston was a longtime member of Calverton Baptist Church. He had a lifelong appreciation for classic cars and antiques and was an enthusiastic traveler. Among his favorite adventures were his dozens of voyages aboard the historic Delta Queen steamboat, where he became known as a “frequent floater,” traveling the entire length of the Mississippi River multiple times. Other favorite destinations included Orlando, Florida; Williamsburg, Virginia; and Ocean City, Maryland.

Above all, Thurston will be remembered for his charm, charisma, and wonderful sense of humor. A natural storyteller, he delighted in sharing anecdotes and engaging in lively conversation. He never met a stranger, possessing the rare gift of making new acquaintances feel like old friends. His warmth, wit, and genuine enjoyment of people left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Thurston was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sally Harney Faulkner, who passed away on March 30, 2004, and his brother, Perry Faulkner. He is survived by his cherished companion of 18 years, Nancy Funk; his son, Shaun Faulkner and wife Katherine; his daughter, Jamie Faulkner and husband Bryce Jackson; and his granddaughter, Sarah Jackson.

Relatives and friends may call at Borgwardt Funeral Home, 4400 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, Maryland, on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until a service at 4:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Davis Cemetery in Shipman, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers or planting a tree, donations may be made to the C & O Canal Trust in Thurston Faulkner’s memory.

The link to donate is here:

https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/COCanalTrust/OnlineDonation.html