Johnny Faulk

Johnny Delando Faulk, Sr. was forty (40) years old when he passed on October 6, 2025. He was born on October 11, 1984, in Houston, Texas, to Dorothy Faulk Willis and Johnny Merritt. He was raised in Grapeland, Texas, by his grandparents, Willie C. and Zona B. Faulk, who taught him the value of hard work and respect.

Johnny graduated from Grapeland High School in 2004, where he was a talented football player and a good friend to many.

Johnny married the love of his life, Christina McCray, on October 8, 2009. Together, they shared sixteen (16) wonderful years of marriage filled with laughter, love, and dedication. They have five (5) beautiful children: Aaliyah Faulk, Antuan Bryant, Johnny D. Faulk, Jr. (J.J.), Alanna Faulk, and Adrian Faulk; and one precious granddaughter, Ka’Leia Tiara Kalra, whom Johnny loved deeply and enjoyed babysitting every chance he got.

Johnny was raised in the church, attending Rising Star Baptist Church at an early age with his grandmother. On November 8, 2009, he was baptized at Morning Star Baptist Church in Palestine, Texas, where he dedicated his life to God and his family.

Johnny was a hardworking man who always did his best to provide for and take care of his family. Throughout his life, he worked many jobs, including the oilfield as a derrick hand; Thomas Plumbing in Palestine, Texas; Vulcraft in Grapeland, Texas, as a welder; Aims Recycling as a crane operator; UPS as a truck loader; and most recently, Sanderson Farms as a forklift operator. No matter where he worked, he gave 100% and took pride in doing things right. He was teaching his children that same work ethic—by talking to them, leading by example, and showing them what real responsibility looked like.

Johnny loved all his children deeply and was proud of each of them. Whether it was teaching his youngest son how to cook, ride horses, or drive, giving advice, or encouraging them to do their best, he always wanted them to know they could do anything they set their minds to.

Johnny enjoyed life and stayed busy. He loved hog hunting, breaking and training horses, racing horses, and going on trail rides. He also loved riding his motorcycle and being with his family and friends. He was a great cook and loved to barbecue—his barbecue was always tender and full of flavor. He played dominoes with friends and enjoyed helping others whenever he could.

Johnny shared a special bond with his mother, Dorothy Willis, and her husband, Ronnie Willis, who was a steady and loving father figure in his life. He loved helping his mom with the trail rides she hosted annually at her home in Butler, Texas—those gatherings brought him pride and joy.

In his spare time, he helped his father-in-law, Melvin McCray, who he looked up to with his lawn service, and his uncle’s build and mend fences. He was always there when his brothers or anyone needed him. He also looked up to his late grandfather, Willie C. Faulk, and his uncles, who helped guide him and taught him valuable life lessons.

He loved spending time with his kids and enjoyed quiet evenings watching movies and going out to eat with his wife.

Johnny loved us all so much—his wife, his children, his family, and friends. He had a big heart, a strong spirit, and a smile that could light up a room. He never met a stranger and was known and loved everywhere he went.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Willie C. Faulk; Jessie and Emma Willis; and Otis and Lizzie Merritt.

Johnny is survived by his wife, Christina Faulk of Palestine, TX; his beautiful children, Aaliyah Faulk of Palestine, TX; Antuan Bryant of Palestine, TX; Johnny D. Faulk, Jr. (J.J.) of Tyler, TX; Alanna Faulk and Adrian Faulk of Palestine, TX; granddaughter, Ka’Leia Tiara Kalra; his mother, Dorothy Willis, and stepfather, Ronnie Willis of Butler, TX; his father, Johnny Merritt of Palestine, TX; siblings, Kedrick Clewis and wife Monica Clewis of Dallas, TX, Tarrence Faulk of Grapeland, TX, Jasanae Willis of Palestine, TX, Quincy J. Willis of Butler, TX; grandparents, Zona B. Faulk Pouncy (Raymond Pouncy) of Grapeland, TX; uncles, Willie E. Faulk (Tonia), James A. Faulk (Brenda), Charles L. Faulk, Henry L. Faulk (Shunda), William E. Faulk (Fran), Sam Ellis, Clark Willis, Jessie Willis, Jimmy Merritt; aunts, Bobbie J. Byrd (Jesse Walker), Dianne Bagley, Teresa Merritt, Tammy Ellis, Thretha Willis, Letha Willis, Sherry Sims, Wanda Willis; and his father and mother-in-law, Melvin and Brenda McCray of Palestine, TX, sister-in-law LaSundra McCray of Enterprise, AL, brother-in-law Jeffrey McCray and wife Kim of Fayetteville, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Johnny will be forever remembered for his big heart, his hard work, his love for his family, and the way he always made everyone feel special. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Public Viewing

Friday, October 17, 2025

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Walker & Walker

Service

Sunday, October 19, 2025

2:00 pm

Rising Star Baptist Church

10987 US-287 N. Grapeland, Tx. 75844

Interment

Mt. Zion Cemetary

Grapeland, Tx