THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
Joe Sharrow, Vance County High School Athletic Director, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Sharrow discussed the tragic death of 2019 Vance County High School graduate and baseball player Clay Faulkner last weekend at Kerr Lake.
“This is one of those tough times that when you sign up to be in education you don’t think about having to deal with but, unfortunately, it’s part of the job,” Sharrow said. “We’ve had tragedy come through this community before, but quite frankly, this one is the hardest of my career.”
Sharrow said he shared a friendship with Faulkner, who loved baseball and never met a stranger. “Clay and I had a close relationship, but he had a close relationship with almost every person in the VCHS building. That’s just the kind of person he was. I can’t thank him and his family enough for allowing me to be a part of his life. I feel like I’m a better man for having known him.”
In addition to baseball, Sharrow said Faulkner “had an infectious personality and was the kind of kid that always made you smile.”
Faulkner was also unfailingly polite, according to Sharrow, and stood out for his manners and “yes sirs and yes ma’ams.”
Those skills served him well in his role as a server at Chick-fil-A of Henderson. His co-workers remembered him this week, among other ways, with social media tributes, signs, and a memorial in front of the restaurant.
In addition, Chick-fil-A of Henderson has announced that it will close Thursday, August 6, 2020, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to celebrate the life of Faulkner.
“Clay has been a part of the Chick-fil-A family for two years, but it’s hard to remember our team without him,” said Chick-fil-A Operator Joshua Towne. “He meant so much to our Chick-fil-A family, and I want each of our team members to have the opportunity to honor his memory and extend their sympathy to his family by attending his funeral.”
Chick-fil-A of Henderson will resume normal operating hours at 2 p.m. on Thursday, following the celebration of life for Faulkner.
While silver linings are hard to come by in this situation, Sharrow said Faulkner’s life has certainly made an impact on others. “The only positive thing that can come out of this is that we can honor his life, remember Clay for the wonderful person he was and try to live better lives ourselves.”
To hear the interview with Sharrow and WIZS staff in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.