Daniel R. Farnell Jr.

Born: January, 22, 1957 – Opelika, Alabama.

Died: December 31, 2012 – Birmingham, Alabama

Danny Farnell was born in Opelika, Alabama and lived over the years in Michigan, Mississippi and Alabama. As a primary school student he developed an interest in history by reading books on the subject he had purchased from the local grocery store. He earned the Eagle Scout award from Boy Scouts of America in Starkville, Mississippi and graduated from Davidson High School in Mobile, Alabama in 1975, where he played center on the football team. Danny studied history at Auburn University for two years, then took a break to travel in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Subsequently, he earned his B.A. in History from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1980, his Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama Law School in 1983 and a Ph.D. in History from Auburn University in 2007. While at Auburn he was the recipient of the Marguerite E. Scharnagel Fellowship in 2003. He was a member of the Alabama State Bar since 1984, the International Legal Fraternity of Phi Delta Phi since 1983 and had practiced law in Montgomery, Dothan and Birmingham.

A dedicated Auburn fan, Danny was passionate about football, baseball and basketball, among other sports, and had a gift for recalling all the latest scores and statistics. He loved his family and friends. In recent years he attended Green Valley Baptist Church in Hoover, Alabama and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama.

Danny is survived by his parents Dr. Daniel R. Farnell, Sr. and Carolyn Williamson Farnell; three sisters, Andrea Farnell Nicholas (Stephen Nicholas), Cynthia C. Farnell (Dan Powell) both of Atlanta, GA and Evelyn Farnell Jackson (Dr. Colin Jackson), twin nephews Owen and William Jackson, all of Oxford, MS, and numerous beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Danny was predeceased by Grandparents Vivian Roach Williamson and John W. Williamson, May Hunter Farnell and Ralph Farnell.

A memorial service to celebrate Danny’s life will be held on Sunday, January 6 at Green Valley Baptist Church, 1815 Patton Chapel Road, Hoover, Al, 35226. Visiting hours begin at 1:30 p.m. and the service starts at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Daniel R. Farnell, Jr. Memorial History Scholarship at Auburn University. To donate online please visit https://fp.auburn.edu/giving/. Select Auburn-Main Campus as campus, College of Liberal Arts as your interest area, the History Department as your gift designation and in memory of Daniel R. Farnell, Jr.

Checks may be made payable to the AU Foundation, earmarked for the Daniel R. Farnell ,Jr. Memorial History Scholarship and mailed to:

College of Liberal Arts/ Office of Development

Attention: Mary Baird

317 South College Street

Auburn, AL 36849