For 31 years, Fred Faulk captured Mississippi State’s high and low moments. Those who knew him said the job could not have been done by a better man.
Faulk, 54, a photographer for Mississippi State’s University Relations, died Saturday night from a malignant brain tumor.
Sammy McDavid, news editor for university relations, described Faulk as an all-around great person.
“If you looked at Fred, he was a straight-A student in terms of being a husband, father, Mississippi State employee, American citizen, Christian and a general human being,” McDavid said.
Russ Houston, university relations photographer who worked with Faulk for 15 years, said he will remember Faulk’s mannerly personality.
“Faulk was the kindest, gentlest person I’ve ever known. He would open doors for anyone all the time,” Houston said.
Houston said it was fun to see someone who enjoyed his job as much as Faulk did. He said Faulk was passionate about his work and treated it like a hobby more than a job. Faulk created a relaxed atmosphere at work and never got tired of taking pictures but took pride in what he did.
“It’s impressive- not how much money you make, but doing something that’s worthwhile. (Faulk) felt like he contributed to students by putting out pictures that made students look good,” Houston commented.
Faulk served on the board of deacons at First Presbyterian Church in Starkville. Bob Ratliff, publications editor in the agricultural communications department on campus, attended church with Faulk. Ratliff said that Faulk was dedicated to the church.
“(Faulk) helped with many activities going on at the church. He was a great friend, very professional, and a great photographer who had a gift for putting people at ease,” Ratliff said.
Ratliff also worked with Faulk for Alumnus magazine.
“Beyond his skills as a photographer, he (Faulk) had a real way with people. His people skills as well as his technical photography skills made him a great photographer,” Ratliff said.
McDavid said even though Faulk had many friends on campus, he was also well-known in Starkville for his talent. Faulk had his own private photography business, including wedding photographs, family portraits and special events.
Ratliff said Faulk photographed “a large percentage” of the weddings in Starkville.
“He was one of the most sought-after wedding photographers in the area,” Ratliff said.
McDavid added that Faulk loved to play tennis. A member of the Starkville Tennis Association, Faulk participated in amateur competitions until shortly before he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Faulk was in great physical shape, never seemed to age and always had a youthful look about him, McDavid said.
Born Sept. 15, 1949, Faulk hailed from Vicksburg. He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Belhaven College in 1972. He then moved to Starkville to work at MSU.
Visitation will be tonight from 5-7 p.m. at Welch Funeral Home. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church in Starkville, followed by burial at Memorial Gardens Park under direction of Welch Funeral Home.
Faulk is survived by his wife, Dianne Faulk of Starkville; his two daughters, Leah Faulk of New Orleans and Emily Faulk of Charleston, S.C.; sister Jeneva Pickett of Vicksburg; brother Charles Faulk III of Jackson; and nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Palmer Home for Children, P.O. Box 746, Columbus, MS 39703, or First Presbyterian Church, 307 University Drive, Starkville, MS 39759.