William "Darren" McCall

William “Darren” McCall was born in Pensacola, Florida on May 3, 1967. His parents are Joane Ruth McCall and William Robert “Bill” McCall. Darren was the third of four children. His siblings are Lloyd Douglas Christy, Diana Ruth McCall, and Laura Denise McCall.

Darren spent the first 9 years of his life in Pensacola. During that time, Darren often visited the beach with his family. He also spent time in Pace, Florida playing in the country with his many cousins. Darren attended Pensacola Christian School until the age of 9. At that time, his family moved to Houma, Louisiana, where they resided for about one year. During that time in Houma, Darren experienced Cajun life, including crawfish and shrimp. There was a little restaurant he frequented with his family, where he loved to play pool with his sister Laura. Next, Darren moved to Theodore, Alabama, a little town outside of Mobile. During his stay in Theodore, he attended a private Christian School for the 5th grade. Living out in the country again, Darren enjoyed playing outdoors and exploring. In March 1978, Darren moved one last time, with his family, to Friendswood, Texas, where he graduated from Friendswood High School in 1985. Darren was an honor student. He loved to write and often dreamed of becoming an author. He also loved music, with his first love of music being 80’s pop. Darren would often be found dancing around his room.

After high school Darren attended the University of Houston, Main Campus where he earned his Bachelor of English Degree. He then moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he went on to acquire a Master’s Degree from Georgia State University.

Darren moved to Austin, Texas and became a Licensed Professional Counselor. Darren served many years at ASA (Aids Services of Austin). In 2007, Darren met the man he would choose to spend his life with, Micheal Blinn. On June 7, 2013, Darren and Micheal were married in Boston, Massachusetts. After they married, Darren started his private practice, where he found great purpose and joy in helping and serving others thru individual and group therapy. Darren had an innate ability to connect with others. The many heartfelt comments on Darren’s Facebook page give witness to Darren’s ability to make others feel they were truly heard and spoke of the way he positively impacted their lives and the lives of others. Darren and Micheal spent much of their free time camping with their dogs, Kitty and Bu. The foursome traveled in an Airstream that Darren and Micheal restored together. Since the onset of Covid-19, the couple both worked from home spending all their time together making plans for their future. In the next year, they planned on traveling the country after Micheal retired. Darren planned to continue his practice remotely. Recently, Darren found a new joy in photography. He always had a love for language and had the ability to use words eloquently. He was planning to write a book while they traveled the country.

Darren left us early but left behind a huge impact on so many lives. He is preceded in death by his brother, Lloyd Douglas Christy. He is survived by his husband Micheal Robert Blinn, father William Robert “Bill” McCall, mother Joane Ruth McCall, sister Diana McCall, sister Laura McCall, several nieces and nephews, one great niece, and many in-laws.

~~~ “Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.”~~~