The Faulkner family, which has operated funeral homes in the Middle Peninsula area for generations, recently welcomed a member of the newest generation to its staff. He is Chas Faulkner, 19, believed to be the youngest Funeral Service Licensee in Virginia, and possibly even in the nation.
Charles William “Chas” Faulkner IV received an associate of applied science in funeral service last spring from Tidewater Community College in Virginia Beach. During the summer, he successfully completed state and national board exams and internship requirements and was officially declared a Funeral Service Licensee in August.
His accomplishment has not been without family encouragement and guidance. He is working with his grandfather, Charles William “Billy” Faulkner Jr., and great-uncle Gregg Faulkner, owners of Faulkner Funeral Homes and Cremation Services with chapels in Saluda, Tappahannock and Mathews.
Jay McIntyre, president of the Virginia Funeral Directors Association, and Robert C. Smith III, executive director of the American Board of Funeral Service Education, each indicated their organizations don’t track the ages of members but they agree it is highly unlikely there is a younger Funeral Service Licensee working in the profession.
In an email, Smith said since the minimum educational requirement for….
