Darrel Ray Tinch

Born in Revelo, Kentucky, Darrel was the son of Murriel and Thelma Tinch. He spent his childhood in the mountains of eastern Kentucky and Tennessee, where he learned to make fast friends each time his parents moved to a new town. After his graduation from McCreary County High School in 1962, he moved with his family to the tidewater region of Virginia, residing in the town of Waverly.

In 1966, Darrel married his wife, Marie, and the couple moved to South Carolina. After a brief stay in Orangeburg, Darrel and Marie permanently moved to Columbia, where Darrel began his career with Southern Bell and later AT&T. They had their only son, Kevin Lee Tinch, in 1971. Darrel continued his career in the communications industry, eventually starting his own company, Modern Telecommunications, Inc., which he ran successfully until his retirement.

Darrel and Marie enjoyed a lifetime of travel complete with RV camping, annual cruises, and adventure vacations. When not traveling, they enjoyed relaxing with family at their house on Lake Murray. Darrel cherished his many friends and spent countless hours with them at weekly lunch meetings or impromptu afternoon visits. When he wasn’t with friends or family, Darrel could be found riding his Harley Davidson or working in his garage.

Darrel’s biggest joy in life was his granddaughters, and the time he spent with them was filled with big smiles and laughter.

He is survived by his son, Kevin Lee Tinch (Emily); grandchildren, Caroline Evelyn Tinch and Helen Elizabeth Tinch; brother, Morris Lee Tinch (Joan); and sisters-in-law, Susan Tinch Ruppert and Lucille Tinch.

He is predeceased by his wife, Marie Blick Tinch; his father, Murriel Tinch; mother, Thelma Tinch; and brothers, Kenneth Allen Tinch and Jerry Don Tinch.

The family is eternally grateful to his primary physician as well as the caring staff at NHC Parklane.

Private services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org or to the charity of one’s choice.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.