Tyler philanthropist Bob Faulkner is shown being inducted into the Tyler ISD Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015 at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. Faulkner has been an avid supporter of the high school tennis programs. (Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

I remember first seeing Mr. Faulkner back in the late 1970s.

At the time, I did not know him.

I was learning to play tennis in high school under my coach, Stan Smith. I am still trying to play, but not for the lack of instruction from Coach Smith. He was the best.

It was the Rose City Tennis Tournament (I believe that was what it was called then) at Tyler Tennis & Swim Club. I was being blown off the court. I don’t remember much from that day, but I do remember someone saying “hang in there, keep your head up.”

I later would find out it was Bob Faulkner. He was going from court to court encouraging all the players. His daughter, Buffie, was playing that day. She and her doubles partner, Janet Kniffen, would go on to be the first netters from Robert E. Lee to earn a berth in the state tournament.

That was my first encounter with Mr. Faulkner and I would get to know him over the years when seeing him at every high school, junior college and college tournament — also, on the golf course a time or two.

He was one of the most positive people I have ever encountered.

Mr. Faulkner passed away last week at age 96. He was active his whole life and a tremendous human being.

His generosity and accomplishments could fill a ream of paper.

The former University of Oklahoma tennis player helped found Tyler Tennis & Swim Club. Plus, the folks in East Texas who get to enjoy Faulkner Park in Tyler and Lindale, that is the doing of Mr. Faulkner.

Mr. Faulkner was a volunteer coach at both John Tyler and Robert E. Lee high schools.

In 2015, Mr. Faulkner was inducted into the Tyler ISD Athletic Hall of Fame as a contributor, mainly as an avid supporter of the tennis programs. He worked with the John Tyler tennis coaches and players for more than 30 years. He traveled with the team to all events, lending his experience and his resources whenever possible. He annually donated scholarships for every JT tennis player.

There are some many words that could describe Mr. Faulkner — philanthropist, patriot, kind, loyal, compassionate, caring, optimistic, but most of all he was a friend to all.

Tyler and East Texas will miss Mr. Faulkner.

Read Mr. Faulkner’s full obituary here.