Charles William Darnell, 81, of Kingsport, TN, went home to be with our Lord on August 11, 2024. Charles was a titan to the people in his world.  His gregarious but kind personality even outstripped his tall stature. A loving husband and father, he bounced back a witty retort as easily as a grandchild on his knee. Guided by his faith, love for his family, and a deep sense of patriotism, his family will cherish his memory for generations to come.  

Born in Gate City, VA on May 15, 1943, he graduated from Gate City High School and joined the U.S. Army, proudly serving his country for 25 years. His service took him to Thailand, Germany, and Indochina as well as New Mexico and Alabama. But before he left Gate City, he went to church one day and while singing a hymn as he so loved doing, he met his future wife, Patsy, who was accompanying the choir on the piano. Patsy and Charles were a devoted couple for 5 days shy of 61 years. After bringing two sons into the world and leaving his military career behind him, Charles managed regions of restaurants until his full retirement. Throughout his life, he loved fishing, cooking family meals, challenging his sons to games of cornhole or chess (they had to earn their wins), playing cards with his sister-in-law and her husband on gentle evenings, and beating the socks off challengers in online checkers. He also served in several churches over the years, most recently as a member of the Sunnyside Baptist Church in Kingsport where he also volunteered in the AWANA Ministry for many years. Charles faithfully provided witness to his family by praying and reading his Bible every night. Friends and family members will remember him as a Christian, a family man, a serviceman, a mentor, a hardworking American, and an unflinching helping hand. 

Charles is survived by his loving wife, Patsy; sons Charles Darnell, Jr. (Pam) and Eddie Darnell (Stephanie); grandchildren Rebecca Sozin (Ilya), Jacob Darnell, and Nicholas Darnell; and great-grandsons Braydon Darnell, Henry Darnell, and Greyson Darnell; brothers Junior Darnell (Mary) and Jerry Darnell (Toddie); sisters Geneva Stidham (Jack) and Caroline Spivey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Ida Darnell, as well as his sister Philis Bishop and grandson Christopher Darnell. 

Funeral services are planned for Friday, August 16, at 10:00 am at the Mountain Home Veterans Administration (Old Site).   

The family requests donations in lieu of flowers to either St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/) or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (https://t2t.org/). 

Carter-Trent Funeral Home Kingsport is serving the Darnell family.