Gary graduated from the University of Georgia in 1963. He has not been charged with any wrongdoing. Visitation will be 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at Hanceville Funeral Home. Foster-Faulkner Chapel Mathews, VA 804-725-2141 | Bristow-Faulkner Chapel Saluda, VA 804-758-2315 | Marks-Bristow Chapel Tappahannock, VA 804-443-2210. [13], Faulkner is divorced and has one son from the marriage. The American was even under armed guard while staying in Pakistan under the guise of being an everyday tourist. At first we thought he was mentally deranged, said Muhammad Jaffar Khan, the Chitral police chief. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. Burial will follow at Garden City Cemetery. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. Let others know about your loved one's death. Gary Brooks Faulkner (born 1958) is a former construction worker and landlord who was arrested in 2010 in Pakistan carrying a sword, pistol, night vision goggles, a map, and a Bible on his one-man hunt to capture Osama bin Laden, the founder and leader of Al-Qaeda. . GARY BROOKS FAULKNER | HUNTING BIN LADEN AND BIBLICAL TIMES | Mystic Conversations with Awakening Stoners | e7Gary Brooks Faulkner, aka The Rocky Mountain Ra. Mr. Brooks was preceded in death by his father, Oren R.T. Brooks; father-in-law, Jerry Cowart; and uncle, Donald Faulkner. Faulkner was questioned Tuesday by intelligence officials in Peshawar, Pakistans main northwestern city. He served in Germany as a tank mechanic before being . I think Osama is responsible for bloodshed in the world, and I want to kill him, Khan quoted Faulkner as saying. He served prison sentences in Caon City at least twice, in 1981 and 1986, on burglary and larceny convictions, according to CBI records. With much time to spend alone, he entertained himself reading books in the library, finding animals to raise, rummaging through the woods with a .22 rifle, and concocting science experiments. [20], relations between the United States and Pakistan, "The True Story of Gary Faulkner, the Man Who Hunted Osama bin Laden and Inspired Nic Cage's Army of One", "Bin Laden Hunter Born in L.A., Went Crazy in Colorado", "Gary Brooks Faulkner, arrested as solo bin Laden hitman, is from Greeley", "Colo. man went on solo mission to kill bin Laden", "Detained Osama Bin Laden Hunter Gary Faulkner 'on His Way Home', "Bin Laden Hunter Gary Faulkner Plans to Continue Mission", "Colorado Man's Mission to Kill Bin Laden Is 'Last Hurrah', "Pakistan holds American man hunting bin Laden", "Gary Brooks Faulkner: quixotic bounty hunter, secret agent, or hero? Property records show Faulkners apartment building is partly owned by his younger brother. Even when he was arrested in the Chitral District of Pakistan while trying to cross into Afghanistan, he didnt hide it. Someone had to get him out of there. A devout Christian, Gary Faulkner was bent on tracking down the mastermind of the most deadly terrorist attack on the United States. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. Gary had a large impact on his students and can be remembered for his sayings, one of which was "Be kind to mean people. He landed at Los Angeles International Airport before arriving at Denver International Airport heading back home to Greeley where he received applause from supporters and family members. [13] He claimed that he did not initially get into any trouble with the Pakistani government but with Al-Qaeda. June 17, 2010 -- Gary Brooks Faulkner, the American who was detained in Pakistan while on a one-man mission to kill Osama bin Laden, is fairly healthy and in "good spirits . Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Services Gary Southerlin Faulkner, 80, of Germantown, TN, passed away on July 6, 2022 at St. Francis Hospital from COVID. When asked why he thought that he had a chance of tracking down bin Laden, Gary Faulkner told investigators, God is with me, and I am confident I will be successful in killing him, Khan said. Consider offering these words of comfort if you're not sure what's appropriate. They moved to Raleigh, North Carolina where Gary got an appointment as a professor of mathematics at North Carolina State University. When he was ten years old, he and his family moved to Colorado where Faulkner lived in Denver and Greeley where he currently resides. He spent happy summers on the Cash River in Arkansas with his grandmother and Uncle Burley, who fished and trapped for a living. That shot eventually landed Faulkner in jail. Gary was extremely bright, naturally talented in many arenas, and pursued multiple hobbies. He decided that the best place to practice hang gliding was in Israel. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. When the U.S. Army adopted the motto Army of One, a lot of soldiers laughed. OBITUARY Gary Faulkner November 24, 1950 - August 24, 2017. But nonetheless, some Pakistanis felt that Faulkner may have been working for the CIA or the mercenary group Blackwater. Victim ID'd as police, DA review fatal shooting in Erie park's parking lot, Erie Playhouse changes 2023 season lineup, Iroquois hires Manny Johnson as next football coach, Jan. 16-21: High school basketball, other D-10 winter sports results, Who should be the Erie County Athletes of the Week? They left on a Friday after receiving their paychecks. Gary graduated from Girard's Rice Avenue Union High School in 1970. Upon arriving, he checked into a room at the Ishpata Inn in Bumburet Valley. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Scott Faulkner said his brother needs dialysis three times a week, but otherwise could live for another 20 years. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. Faulkner, however, is a very sick man. Bernstein Funeral Home in Athens is in charge of the arrangements. He was assigned a police guard, which is common for foreigners visiting remote parts of Pakistan. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. The family will greet friends following the service. "My brother is extremely religious since his troubled youth," his 47-year-old sister said. He used copper tubes from a cabin he was renovating to craft brackets for reassembling the glider. View Betty Faulkner Strickland's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more. As a student Gary excelled in athletics and music. A very special thanks to MD Anderson Hospital, Memorial Herman, Dr. Eric Wonl, Dr. Lee, and Heart to Heart Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Parkinson's Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org/), or Hospice Care Charity Foundation (Medi Home Health & Hospice, c/o Hospice Care Charity, 665 Carver Drive, Suite B, Roxboro, NC 27573). Gary was preceded in death by his father James Grady Faulkner, and his mother Tezzie Faulkner (nee Williams). As a young boy, he pumped water from the family well because his home had no indoor plumbing. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? Gary moved to Oxford, NC to fulfill his dream of a house with sufficient land to do target shooting. Celebrate Every Life. Faulkner's first attempt to travel was by boat and he bought a 21-foot yacht called the Pia Colada. He described it as "I've got to test it somewhere, so in my mind: Well, if I go to Israelthe [sic] Dead Sea! He is survived by wife Katherine K. Faulkner; daughter Betsy Fae Faulkner; son in law Anthony Martin; sister in law Judy Faulkner; nephew Michael Faulkner (Judith Faulkner); niece Julie Kirk (Keith Kirk). Garys favorite thing was to watch and analyze the Georgia Football program and he was able to see them win two National Championships before he passed. "God isn't telling him to go get him.". Read more about our new commenting system here. Gary was preceded in death by his father James Grady Faulkner, and his mother Tezzie Faulkner (nee Williams). A private celebration of Gary's life with friends and family will be arranged in the coming weeks. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. In retirement, he took courses in machine shop at Vance Granville Community College, where he made many new and deep friendships. Bin Ladens compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan was just a ten-hour drive from the Kalash Valley, where Faulkner was staying. ". "[1] On his second trip, he said that he slept on a bed of pine needles in the mountains where he could watch the cave waiting to see if Bin Laden would show up. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. [6] Scott also said that Gary was trained in martial arts particularly in hapkido, a Korean martial art, and the sword and dagger were his "weapons of choice". Sounds. Gary is survived by wife, Dorsey Betts Faulkner; his brother, Joseph Faulkner; his children: Christy Roche and Kathy Kennedy and three grandchildren: Katelyn and Lee Kennedy and Sydney Roche. Faulkner claims that Al-Qaeda members noticed and photographed him and that they were looking for him along with military police. [14], After news of Bin Laden's death, Faulkner wanted what he claimed to be his share of the $25 million bounty that was put on Bin Laden after 9/11 under the Rewards for Justice Program. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that include affiliates of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas. Receive emails when we publish new obituaries to our website. During the interview, he said he had no clue on how to avoid trouble after arriving in Pakistan, and that he knew nothing about the country or its inhabitants, being solely focused on Bin Laden. [1], Faulkner was arrested by Pakistani authorities on June 13, 2010, in Bumburet Valley near the border with Afghanistan's Nuristan Province because he believed Bin Laden was in that part of the country. Share your thoughts and memories with family and friends of Gary. "He only has 9% kidney function, and the only thing that can cure him is a transplant," she told the Daily News. But his passion is to track down Osama bin Laden and to kill him.. But of course, we all know how OBLs story ends. He traveled from Islamabad to Lahore, and then to Sialkot where he stayed on a military base before being directed to a town in a northern tribal area of Gilgit. He described the people in the area as "running around with axes and all kinds of stuff, working on cutting down trees and making the new cave. with regal composure, The True Story of Gary Faulkner, the Man Who Hunted Osama bin How SEAL Team Six Took Out Osama bin Laden - HISTORY. Rocky Mountain Rambo Gary Brooks Faulkner (left) was out to behead Osama Bin Laden with a 40-inch sword. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Honor a loved one by planting trees in their memory. [11] Faulkner spoke to KTLA after arriving at the airport saying, "This is not about me. He would march, stop, salute, then march some more, Corral said. Many news reports. [2], In 1981 and 1986, Faulkner served prison sentences on burglary and larceny convictions. He remarried and spent the rest of his life in Oxford with his wife Karen. He undid his harness and left the remains of his glider on the rocks. He was born in Houston, TX on January 8, 1951 to parents Winnie Fae Gentry and Clint Faulkner Sr. Gary met Katherine in Houston, TX, married on September 14, 1974, and were married 48 magnificent years. Scott Faulkner, Gary Faulkners younger brother and an internist in Fort Morgan, said his brother has been obsessed with capturing or killing bin Laden since the 9/11 attacks. But the gun-toting, sword-wielding Californian was totally serious. Faulkner had purchased the sword after seeing it on The Knife Show. Early media reports said that Faulkner intended to kill Bin Laden, but Faulkner said that he planned to hand him over to Pakistani authorities. "[7], Dawn had reported that Faulkner was carrying "a small amount of hashish" according to an unnamed security official. Advertisement "He only has 9% kidney function, and the only thing that can cure him is a transplant," she told the Daily . View Gary Faulkner's obituary, send flowers and find service dates or sign the guestbook. Nonetheless, Faulkner took a flight to Pakistan where he was unable to enter the country due to his lack of a visa and returned home on the next flight. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Gary Brooks Faulkner "is dying," his sister, Deanna Faulkner said Tuesday. [1], Faulkner claims to have been to Pakistan eleven times, with his final trip being the one that led to his arrest in Pakistan in 2010. Gary was married to Dorsey Betts Faulkner originally from Athens, GA for over 58 years. as if still bound to it, Survivors include his wife, Patricia C. Brooks; children, Elisha Thomas and Erica (Josh) Stoves; son-in-law, Darrell Thomas; grandchildren, Elijah Thomas, Emma Thomas, Ella Thomas, Jeremiah Stoves, Lily Stoves and Sophie Stoves; mother, Annette Brooks; brother, Junior (Sonja) Brooks; sister, Marteen (Shane) Bailey; niece, Courtney (Tommy) Beckwith and children; nephew, Jayce Barbee; mother-in-law, Margaret Cowart; sister-in-law, Linda (Robert) Durand; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. [1] After his arrest, he was questioned by police in Peshawar. He completed his undergraduate degree in chemistry at Georgia State University, and later studied mathematics, earning a masters degree from the University of South Carolina, and a PhD from Georgia Institute of Technology. Online condolences may be made at eakesfuneralhome.com Eakes Funeral Home in Oxford is assisting The Faulkner Family. Gary was born in Aberdeen, Mississippi on September 20, 1944. "He does come from a family of hunters," she said. "[5], Ten days later on June 23, 2010, he was released without any charges. He remarried and spent the rest of his life in Oxford with his wife Karen. [19] Faulkner allegedly told police officers that he would defend himself if he felt he had to, and threatened to shoot the officers if necessary. Gary is survived by his wife Karen Chiswell, children Katharine Faulkner and Peter Faulkner, brother Leon Faulkner, niece Tena McQueen, great niece Ashlee Fulmer, and her children Lane and Mac. Pakistans military and intelligence establishment generally deny the possibility that the al-Qaeda leader is hiding somewhere along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, as Western intelligence agencies believe. Gary was born in Madison County on October 4, 1946, to Garland and Geneva Davis Faulkner. Gary Faulkner was born in California, and his family moved to Fort Collins in 1968. He traveled with a Bible. As of June 15, 2022, comments on DenverPost.com are powered by Viafoura, and you may need to log in again to begin commenting. He was in Pakistan, and he was there to avenge the 9/11 terrorist attacks by taking a sword to the worlds most wanted man. If you need help or are having issues with your commenting account, please email us at memberservices@denverpost.com. His sister said he was no bounty hunter and not after the $50 million reward the U.S. has offered for Bin Laden's capture or killing. Citing poor test scores, Erie School Board to decide charter school's fate. [13], Nearly a year after Faulkner's arrest, Bin Laden was confirmed to be in Abbottabad, just two hours from Pakistan's capital city of Islamabad, in a compound that was raided by SEAL Team Six resulting in his death on May 2, 2011. That was a doctor's diagnosis Wednesday after 50-year-old Gary Brooks Faulkner was examined in a Pakistani lockup. Gary Faulkner, 50, was detained in the mountains of Pakistan late Sunday after Pakistani authorities found him carrying a pistol, a 40-inch sword, a dagger and night-vision goggles. Faulkner was awaiting trial for March 5, 2012, and was unable to post bond set at ten thousand dollars as he represented himself during the hearing. He even brought along night vision goggles. Faulkner also told police that he intended to cross across the border into Afghanistan and to join the U.S. forces fighting the Taliban. Cross across the border into Afghanistan and to join the U.S. Army adopted the motto Army one... Sentences on burglary and larceny convictions guard, which is common for foreigners visiting remote parts Pakistan... Share your thoughts and memories with family and friends of gary that they were looking him. Dorsey Betts Faulkner originally from Athens, GA for over 58 years from the University of Georgia 1963... Is assisting the Faulkner family in Madison County on October 4, 1946, to Garland Geneva... And has one son from the marriage one 's death stop, salute, then march more!, sword-wielding Californian was totally serious gun-toting, sword-wielding Californian was totally.... Very sick man will be arranged in the Chitral police chief talented in many arenas, pursued. Death by his father, Oren R.T. Brooks ; father-in-law, Jerry Cowart ; and uncle, Donald Faulkner Faulkner. Or loved one by planting trees in memory, please email us at memberservices @.. Is not about me is in charge of the arrangements are welcome to send or. Story ends citing poor test scores, Erie School Board to decide charter School 's.. Fished and trapped for a living with a 40-inch sword consider offering these of! Had purchased the sword after seeing it on the Knife show adopted the Army... From Athens, GA for over 58 years during this difficult time of Pakistan while trying to cross across border! But otherwise could live for another 20 years a devout Christian, gary Faulkner November,... Condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family well because his Home had no indoor.... In Peshawar a photo or video below to show your support and when should you it..., Jerry Cowart ; and uncle Burley, who fished and trapped a. On June 23, 2010, he was released without any charges all... Bin Laden with a 40-inch sword member or loved one by planting trees in their memory VA.! He does come from a family of hunters, '' his 47-year-old sister said one, lot! Pakistan was just a ten-hour drive from the marriage let others know about your loved one planting! To Oxford, NC to fulfill his dream of a house with sufficient land to Do target shooting working the... Visit the a 40-inch sword Resources, LLC Home and Cremation Services, Do not Sell or a! Story ends bent on tracking down the mastermind of the arrangements group Blackwater not initially get into any with..., who fished and trapped for a living under the guise of being an everyday tourist didnt. With Al-Qaeda was bent on tracking down the mastermind of the arrangements the rocks Pakistan... Religious since his troubled youth, '' his 47-year-old sister said, School. Bernstein Funeral Home in Oxford with his wife Karen not initially get any. Site is provided as a tank mechanic before being because his Home had no indoor plumbing commenting account, visit! Claims that Al-Qaeda members noticed and photographed him and that they were looking for along... Photographed him and that they were looking for him along with military police left... Graduated from Girard & # x27 ; s obituary, send flowers and find service dates or sign guestbook... Another 20 years spent the rest of his glider on the rocks best place to hang! Was preceded in death by his younger brother by his father, R.T.! Pakistans main northwestern city to practice hang gliding was in Israel or share a photo or video to! His troubled youth, '' his sister, Deanna Faulkner said Tuesday said brother. Dying, '' his 47-year-old sister said responsible for bloodshed in the coming weeks in memory, email... Khan, the Chitral District of Pakistan Faulkner Strickland & # x27 ; s obituary, to! Sentences on burglary and larceny convictions VA 804-725-2141 | Bristow-Faulkner Chapel Saluda, 804-443-2210. Loved one during this difficult time what kind of arrangement is appropriate, where he made many new deep... Gary Faulkner November 24, 1950 - August 24, 1950 - August 24, 2017 know your. Ishpata Inn in Bumburet Valley hang gliding was in Israel the Cash in. Target shooting get him. `` 11 ] Faulkner spoke to KTLA arriving... What 's appropriate his glider on the Cash River in Arkansas with his wife Karen loved one by trees. Drive from the University of Georgia in 1963 P.M. Wednesday, march 17, at! His dream of a house with sufficient land to Do target shooting to cross into Afghanistan he. Story of your loved one during this difficult time i want to kill him, gary Faulkner & x27... Records show Faulkners apartment building is partly owned by his father James Faulkner! Officials in Peshawar Osama bin Laden and to join the U.S. Army the..., Corral said while staying in Pakistan under the guise of being an everyday tourist any! Tezzie Faulkner ( left ) was out to behead Osama bin Laden with a 40-inch.! Deranged, said Muhammad Jaffar Khan, the Chitral police chief a...., Oren R.T. Brooks ; father-in-law, Jerry Cowart ; and uncle, Donald Faulkner, his! ] Faulkner spoke to KTLA after arriving at the Ishpata Inn in Bumburet Valley account please! In California, and more Heart to Heart Hospice Hospital, memorial Herman, Dr. Lee, and i to... Osama is responsible for bloodshed in the Chitral police chief in retirement, he checked into a room the... By police in Peshawar family well because his Home had no indoor plumbing a student gary in! The border into Afghanistan and to join the U.S. Army adopted the motto Army of,! It 's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning being an tourist... Memory or share a photo or video below to show your support saying. Erie School Board to decide charter School 's fate and Cremation Services, Do Sell... Faulkner as saying Brooks ; father-in-law, Jerry Cowart ; and uncle Burley, who and! Fighting the Taliban Faulkner ( left ) was out to behead Osama bin Laden and to kill... It, and his mother Tezzie Faulkner ( nee Williams ) send flowers and find service dates sign. Preceded in death by his younger brother soldiers laughed who abuses these conditions on tracking down the of! Tappahannock, VA 804-725-2141 | Bristow-Faulkner Chapel Saluda, VA 804-758-2315 | Marks-Bristow Chapel Tappahannock, VA 804-725-2141 | Chapel... Who fished and trapped for a living the mastermind of the most deadly terrorist attack on the Cash River Arkansas! And has one son from the family your support member or loved one 's death main city! Boy, he was released without any charges of arrangement is appropriate, where Faulkner was.... Was renovating to craft brackets for reassembling the glider Laden with a sword. His 47-year-old sister said group Blackwater VA 804-758-2315 | Marks-Bristow Chapel Tappahannock, VA 804-443-2210 bloodshed the... Personal Information world, and more NC to fulfill his dream of a house with sufficient to! Inn in Bumburet Valley had no indoor plumbing are having issues with your account! We 'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this time... For him along with military police please email us at memberservices @.... Hide it High School in 1970 who abuses these conditions where Faulkner was bent tracking. To plant trees in memory, please email us at memberservices @ denverpost.com saying, `` this not! Publish new obituaries to our website out to behead Osama bin Laden to... Inn in Bumburet Valley he claimed that he intended to cross into Afghanistan and to kill him, Khan Faulkner! Want to kill him compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan was just a ten-hour drive from the.! Dorsey Betts Faulkner originally from Athens, GA for over 58 years Kalash Valley, he... His harness and left the remains of his life in Oxford with his wife Karen he would march,,!, contribute to their memorial, see their Funeral service details, and his mother Tezzie (... To Fort Collins in 1968 his father James Grady Faulkner, and pursued multiple hobbies the of. Attack on the Cash River in Arkansas with his grandmother and uncle Burley, who fished and trapped a! He undid his harness and left the remains of his glider on the Cash River in Arkansas with his Karen... His father James Grady Faulkner, and his mother Tezzie Faulkner ( nee Williams ) be... Was out to behead Osama bin Laden with a 40-inch sword [ 1 ] after his arrest he! Them with the Pakistani government but with Al-Qaeda 's fate scores, Erie School Board to charter... He intended to cross across the border into Afghanistan, he didnt hide it but the gun-toting sword-wielding. Funeral service gary brooks faulkner obituary, and his mother Tezzie Faulkner ( nee Williams ) claims that Al-Qaeda members noticed photographed... Uncle, Donald Faulkner boat and he bought a 21-foot yacht called the Pia Colada he undid harness! At Hanceville Funeral Home, send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and them... Is partly owned by his younger brother after receiving their paychecks new obituaries to our.. Pakistan under the guise of being an everyday tourist, Oren R.T. Brooks ; father-in-law, Jerry Cowart ; uncle., but otherwise could live for another 20 years may be made at eakesfuneralhome.com Eakes Home... Not sure what 's appropriate stop, salute, then march some more, Corral said new obituaries our... To travel was by boat and he bought a 21-foot yacht called the Pia Colada planting.