Judge Gary Rickey Faulkenberry

Judge Gary Rickey Faulkenberry, age 64, of Patrick, South Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. His life will be celebrated in a funeral service at 3:00 PM on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in the Chapel of Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home. The service will be officiated by the Honorable Judge Paul M. Burch and Brent Taylor, with burial to follow at Bay Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 2:00 – 3:00 PM Saturday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

The funeral service will also be streamed live on the Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home Facebook page.

Born on March 9, 1961, in Chesterfield, South Carolina, Judge Faulkenberry was the son of the late Charles J. and Madie Robertson Faulkenberry. He graduated from Central High School in 1980 and went on to become the owner and operator of Rickey’s Automotive & Wrecker Service. In addition to operating his business, he dedicated many years as an automotive instructor at Central High School. Judge Faulkenberry also served his community as a firefighter with the Town of Pageland Fire Department and was a former member of the Pageland Rescue Squad.

His commitment to public service extended to his role as a member of the Pageland Town Council and his appointment as Town Judge in McBee, Jefferson, and Pageland. In August 1997, he was appointed as Magistrate Judge, where he served for 25 years until his retirement in 2022.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Judge Faulkenberry enjoyed riding his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle and traveling with friends. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying time spent on his tractor, working on his land. A passionate NASCAR enthusiast, he was also known for his extensive collection of tools. Judge Faulkenberry will be remembered for his sense of humor and his extraordinary ability to bring joy and laughter to those around him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen E. Faulkenberry; his children, Charlie (Ashli) Faulkenberry of Lowell, NC, Chris Harrington of Pageland, SC, Casey Stephens of Hartsville, SC, Brittany (Justin) Morrell of Hartsville, SC, and Cristina Palacios of Patrick, SC; his grandchildren, Logan Faulkenberry, Cristofer Palacios, Talan Laney, Journey Laney, Levi Stephens, and Brantley Stephens; as well as his brothers, Carl Junior (Melissa) Autry of Statesville, NC, and Danny (Betty) Autrey of Pelion, SC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org) or to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Faulkenberry family.