Mr. Thaddeus "Thad" C. Darnell, age 85, of Austin Little Mountain Road, passed away Monday, December 28, 2009 at Hugh Chatham Nursing Center. Mr. Darnell was born May 12, 1924 in Wilkes County to Jesse & Cora Burcham Darnell. Mr. Darnell was a farmer and was a member of Pleasant Home Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and taught Sunday school classes. He was a volunteer with Hospice of Wilkes County for 13 years and was on the board of Wilkes Telephone Membership Co-op for 35 years. Mr. Darnell was in the United States Navy and served during WWII, where he sailed around the world twice. During his lifetime Mr. Darnell visited all 50 states. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Darnell; brothers, Jasper Darnell and Felix Darnell; granddaughter, Pamela Darnell. Survivors include: three sons, Ed Darnell and wife Betty of Inman, SC, Jerry Darnell and wife Donna of Raleigh, Mark Darnell and wife Diane of Roaring River; four sisters, Ola Lewis of Elkin, Sarah Ross of Greely, CO, Rachel Holcomb and Norma Jane Baker both of Elkin; five grandchildren, Benjamin Darnell, Michael Darnell, Lauren Orzechowski, Eddie Money and Dawn Darnell; one great grandchild, Briana Money. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Pleasant Home Baptist Church by Rev. Nick Cheek and Rev. Kenneth Jordan. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Elkin Funeral Service in Elkin. The family wishes to thank the staff of Hugh Chatham Nursing Center. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Hospice of Wilkes County, 1907 West Park Drive, N. Wilkesboro, NC 28659.
