of Conway, AR
May 6, 1947 - November 17, 2025
Fay Van Valkenburgh, III, 78, passed away at his home on the morning of November 17, 2025. Fay was born in El Paso, TX, on May 6, 1947, and raised in Helena, AR, eventually relocating to Conway, AR, where he pursued a career in mechanical engineering and was a tool & die designer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fay Van Valkenburgh, Jr., and Dorothy Cunningham, and sister, Lynne Von Kanel.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marcia Van Valkenburgh, his son, Fay Van Valkenburgh, IV, of California, and his daughter, Michele Van Valkenburgh (Toby), of Conway, along with a host of other family and friends.
Fay was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was an avid car enthusiast and owned numerous Porsches and Corvettes during his life. Fay never met a stranger and loved sharing stories of all his adventures and shenanigans. If you knew him, chances are you are left with at least one memory of a story he told. If you enjoyed happy hour at JJ's, you surely were treated to many unique tales.
A Rosary and visitation will be Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Conway, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. with entombment at St. Joseph's Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Fay's name to St. Joseph's Endowment.
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30 Condolence(s)
Tracy and Mike Dail
Thursday, November 20, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
David Gates
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
I worked in tool and die at orbit and while Fay was there always was a pleasure to work with him great guy
Richard/Sandra Weigt
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Marcia, our friendship with you and Fay spans more than 50 years and he never ceased to amaze! He was such a talented engineer with so many accomplishments in his field.
Those talents carried over to his automotive expertise. It was always fun to see the next build. Beyond all of that our fondest memories will be his “gift of gab”, his free spirit, his willingness to lend a hand and the unending love for his family. Thanks for the memories Fay! Love to you Marcia, Fay, and Michelle . Fly high friend!
Rex Davis
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
This is sad news. I had the pleasure to work with him many times in my Tool and Die Career and he was always a pleasure to work with. I enjoyed seeing him at JJ's and visiting with him about the old times and talking about cars which he so loved. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Julie Goodnight
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
So very sorry to hear of Fay’s passing.
You all will be in my thoughts and prayers
Jeremy Whitley
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Sorry for your loss! I remember growing up and always hearing my dad talk vehicles with Fay! Prayers for y'all!
Lonnie Cunningham
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
You'll be missed, see you on the other side
Amy Hancock
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
I was deeply saddened when I received the news of Fay’s passing. He was always in my life as I grew up. Our families did quite a lot together, rather it be attending car shows, camping, going to the lake or simply “hanging out”. I always loved the times he would take me joy riding in his corvettes. The memories of him through out the years are endless. Fay was such a fun and lovable teddy bear. He was a good man who will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. RIP Fay
John and Michelle Riggins
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Ron Racine
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Please accept our most sincere condolences.
Tom and Nancy Erbachm
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Marcia & family, So very sorry to learn of Faye's passing He was truly a unique man that made friends easily and could talk about any subject. He lived his life doing what he wanted. He loved his family and had an unbelievable passion for everything motorcycle and automobile. Faye will be missed.
Marion Bryant
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Keeping your family in my thoughts & prayers. My favorite memory is Fay
showing Madison & friend his car collection. They thought it was so cool!
Georgann Whitley
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love and hugs during this difficult time.
Paulette Bryant
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
The family is in my prayers and thoughts.
Sending hugs.
Tom Sinon
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your father. I know how difficult it is to lose a parent, and I'm thinking of you and your family during this time. May the cherished memories you have of your father bring you comfort.
Keith M
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
My heart goes out to my dear friend, Michele, during this time. Michele thanks for always being there during my bad times. It's my turn.
May God bless you and your family.
Darrin
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Sorry for your loss Prayers for you and your Family
Walter&Pam Fisher
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Our hearts are heavy and we share your sorrow.
Memories do keep us going. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Dennis Whitley
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Sorry for your loss
Laura Hiegel-Williams
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
We are praying for you all.
May he rest in peace.🙏
Jason Brinsfield
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
So sorry for your loss! So many amazing memories of Fay and your family growing up! He will be missed! Thoughts and prayers sent to all of you!
Mark Bryant
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
You are all in my prayers. So sorry for your loss. Much love sent
Arlie King
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Condolences to the Family. Van was a neat guy. He will be missed.
Melanie Whitley
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Michele and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I know he leaves a hole in your life and you cherish the memories. Prayers for comfort.
Mark Bryant
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
So sorry for your loss. All of you are in my prayers. Love you all
Mike Ruesing
Monday, November 17, 2025
One of the coolest cats Ive known in so many ways. Rest easy Fay Van. You will be missed, and prayers for the family in navigating this time of trials. Bless you all.
Bob Brinsfield
Monday, November 17, 2025
Sorry for your loss Marcia, he was a butthead, but he toutched a lot of peoples lives.
David & Beth White
Monday, November 17, 2025
Condolences to the family. Fay Van will be missed greatly.
Pam Hager/De Hager
Monday, November 17, 2025
Dang it man you were a hoot. Gonna miss ya at our Bar gatherings . Our neighbor for 32 years. So many memories in those years. Fly high buddy and ride with the wind. Love and Prayers for Marcia,,Fay Jr and Michele.
Leonard Bootje
Monday, November 17, 2025
My condolences go out to the family