William Robert (Bob) Darnell

William Robert (Bob) Darnell passed away February 25, 2024 at the age of 89. Bob was born May 11, 1934 in Phenix City, Alabama. His mother was a school teacher and his father was the Principal of the High School, and later became Superintendent of Schools in Lee and Russell counties. Bob said that was okay with him until he got in trouble! “I got punished both at school and at home”. 

In high school he was in the Dramatics Club, played defense in football, guard in basketball, and 3rd base in baseball. His trio sang on Freddie Millers “Stars of Tomorrow”. While in high school, the teachers chose Bob to receive the Special Activities Award for the following: building the sets for the Dramatic club, operating the movies and electronic devices, and his sports involvement.

Bob started a water skiing show (a tid bit that not many know)! He always had a fascination with boats. He raced boats in Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. He raced a speed boat in the Orange Bowl Regatta.

He was a bank teller with Columbus Bank and Trust in Columbus, Georgia. He then served our United States proudly in the U.S. Army from 1953-1957, stationed in Korea during the Korean War for 19 months. Also, Bob served TDY (Temporary) duty in Okinawa, Japan, Hong Kong, and Honolulu at Pearl Harbor. His highest rank at was SGT. Security Specialist for coding and decoding enemy communications.

Bob graduated from Georgia State University in 1971 with a BBA – MGT (Bachelor of Business Administration in Management).

After college he worked with Inn Keepers Supply (Holiday Inn), and Rockwell Manufacturing Company, He was employed with Delta Airlines where he worked for 28 years, retiring in 1995. His greatest achievement and joy was helping design computer programs to benefit the overhaul of aircraft engines.

He married the love of his life, Patricia Black on a houseboat on an island on Lake Lanier. They were the Darnell Bunch, Bob had three sons and Patricia had three sons. What a way to start a new marriage with all those boys!

Bob grew up Methodist and became a Baptist when he met and married Patricia. They attended First Baptist Church in Cumming, Georgia. Then helped form a new church, First Redeemer in Cumming, Georgia. Bob was a firm believer in Jesus Christ and was not ever afraid to share his faith. He always did things in the background; he had a passion for helping people and makingthem laugh and always made anyone he met feel loved.

As you all know, Bob loved his softball. He played while in the Army, on the Delta Traveling team, first Redeemer Men’s team, and then all the senior divisions and  winning all those championship rings!

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, William and Ethel Darnell. He is survived by his wife of  37 years, Patricia Darnell of Cumming, Georgia. Sons: Robert (Sue) Darnell, David Darnell, Ryan Darnell, and Stepsons: Ben (Kendra) Black, Scott (Sherry) Black, and John (Nancy) Black. He is survived by 2 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, 5 Step grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Military Funeral Service will be Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 2:00pm. Visitation with the family will start at 12:00pm until the Funeral hour at Ingram Funeral in Cumming, Georgia.

Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave, Cumming, GA is in charge of arrangements.