Jessie Earl Darnell

Jessie Earl Darnell, age 79, of Bear Creek died Wednesday June 3, 2020 at UNC Hospital. Mr. Darnell was born June 8, 1940, in Chatham County, the son of Jessie Leon and Zonie Bright Darnell. He was Owner / Operator of Darnell Auto Sales and a member of Meroney United Methodist Church. Jessie loved fishing and spending time with his family and had an insatiable taste for sweets. He is preceded in death by parents, sisters: Bettie Pilkington and Wilma Manning. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Katie Ward Darnell; two daughters: Linda Darnell Mitchell of Pittsboro and Donna Darnell Crowe and husband James of Goldston; and one son: Ricky Darnell of Sanford; grandchildren: Brandy, Josh, Jason, Danielle, and Samuel; great grandchildren: Saylor, Colton, Dalton and Emmaline. A private graveside service will be held Sunday, June 7, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Meroney United Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Jim Whittaker officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Alzheimers Association, Western Carolina Chapter, 4600 Park Rd., Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28209, www.alz.org/northcarolin. The family would like to express a special "Thank You" to his caregivers, Lois Minter and Sarah Tucker