Gary Cray Darnell of Fairview, Tennessee passed from this life September 10, 2023 at home. He was a retired lumber salesman and energetic philanthropist. He was born December 18, 1952 in Elkin, North Carolina to the late Leo and Velma (Lankford) Darnell who preceded him in death.

He is survived by wife Kathy (Isaacs) Darnell, daughters Kristin (Chris) Ertel of Jefferson, Georgia, and Amy McKinney of Franklin, Tennessee, son Andrew Darnell of Nolensville, Tennessee and his brother Stan (Sherry) Darnell of Dobson, North Carolina. Six grandchildren Brian, Grace, Abigail and Annabelle Ertel of Jefferson, Georgia. Sienna and Elijah McKinney of Franklin, Tennessee.

Gary grew up in Elkin, North Carolina, attended Elon University on a football scholarship and in 1998 was inducted into the Elon Football Hall of Fame. Gary and Kathy married in 1978 and resided in Elkin and Wake Forest, North Carolina until moving to Fairview, Tennessee in 1996.

Gary was a member of First Baptist Church of Fairview. He made Fairview his ‘hometown’ and was active in all aspects of the community. He made it his mission to learn about people and discover the needs that existed in so many individuals and families. He started The View CRC (a non-profit organization) to help address and solve those needs. He was a wonderful husband, dad, Papa G, and friend.

There will be a celebration of life at 4:00PM on Friday September 15, 2023 at First Baptist Church, 7310 Overbey Road, Fairview. Visitation with the family will begin at 2:00PM and continue until the service begins.

In lieu of flowers the family requests gifts be made to The View CRC. Donations may be made online at www.theviewcrc.org. 

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