LIFE AND LEGACY

of

Dexter Tyrel Faulk, Sr.

Dexter Tyrel Faulk, Sr. , a beloved son, devoted father, brother, and faithful friend, departed this earthly realm from labor to reward on Sunday, May 14, 2023. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

Dexter was born in Homer, Louisiana on July 26, 1982, to the late Don Gilmore and Valerie Faulk. His mother's military career brought their family to Virginia, and he was educated in the Newport News Public School System. He was quite the athlete at Woodside High School playing football and excelling in track and field. He was known for the "Big Play" when he ran an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. For eight years Dexter held the state record for fastest time in the 100-meter race. As per the Daily Press, "Faulk, an exceptional jumper and sprinter, went 23-5 ¾ to win the long jump by more than a foot". "That was all talent", Woodside coach Derrel Johnson said of Faulk's effort. "There was no coaching in that."

Dexter continued his education receiving an associate degree from Thomas Nelson Community College. He was employed with Diamond Resorts where he excelled using his soft voice and swag to woo customers in timeshare sales. His most recent occupation was forklift driver for Dycos Services.

After the passing of his mom, Dexter was embraced by Virginia Silva (bonus mom) and her family. She treated him as her own son, loving him through every aspect of his life. She became mom, mentor, friend and the grandmother to his only son Dexter Faulk, Jr better known as Lil Dex. He was also blessed with a bonus dad, Mr. William Gilchrist, who was there throughout his battle and always made himself available. They were not blood relatives but the family that God chose specifically for Dexter for whom he could give and receive unconditional love.

Dexter wore an infectious smile on his face. He enjoyed family time playing games especially spades and was a professional at Taboo. He was a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan. He collected watches, tennis shoes, t-shirts, cologne, and jewelry, which is in part responsible for how he received the nickname "Pretty Ricky "and his self-acclaimed nickname 'Sexy Dex. When he dressed, he wanted everything in place. Above all, his greatest joy was being father to Lil Dex..

Dexter was preceded in death by his mother Valerie Faulk, his father Don Gilmore, and his grandfather Earvin Faulk. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved son Dexter Faulk, Jr.; his sister Clemitra Smiley of Austin, Texas; one nephew Julian Smiley; his grandmother Lillie Livingston; his uncle Marcus Livington (Shameka); his aunts Sharon Faulk, Tamara Smith, and Jamie Foster; his extended family, to include bonus mom Ms. Virginia Silva "Ms. V"; bonus dad Wiliam Gilchrist; Vanessa Bonelli (affectionately known as baby mama); Janiah Bonelli; Grandmother Ms. Petra Gonzalez-Lopez; sister Laila Lewis; brother Esteban Payne; aunts Elena, Cuca, Edme and Michele; friend and brother Turi Lipkins; former wife Cindy Ferguson; step-daughter Imani Ferguson and a host of cousins and friends.

Viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. up until the Celebration of Life service starting at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel.