Cecil Bruce Darnell

Cecil Bruce Darnell was born on June 20, 1931 to parents Myrtle Hill Darnell and Rufus Darnell in Rye Cove, VA. During his teen years the family moved to Sullivan County, TN. There he met his wife of 54 years. They settled in the area and raised two children, Sandra Darnell Letterman and Keith Darnell.

Cecil worked at Holston Defense and later at AFG for 25+ years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, country music, frequenting the Kingsport Farmers Market and making his friends and family laugh. After the extraordinary care he gave his wife in her final years as her health declined, he has joined with her and Christ in Heaven.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to two very special doctors for their outstanding care and kindness for Cecil over the years. They are Dr. Bruce Boggs and Dr. Lucinda Miller. Thank you for the time you helped provide us with Cecil. Know that as he did, we hold you in high esteem and close to heart.

Preceded in death by his wife, Mayme Jones Darnell, brother Donald Darnell, brother-in-law Kenneth Massey and nephew Derrick McMurray.

Survived by Sandra Darnell Letterman, daughter; Keith Darnell, son and wife Roma; Cindy Letterman Bennett, granddaughter and husband Ray; Jana Darnell, granddaughter; Tyler Darnell, grandson; Samantha Bennett, great-granddaughter; Monnie Irene Helton, sister and husband Hubert of MI; James Earl (JC) Darnell, brother and wife Helen; Janice Darnell Massey, sister of MI; Todd Massey, nephew and wife Candi of MI; Tawnya Massey Buchtel, niece and husband Jim of MI; Stanley McMurray, nephew but loved as a son and wife Karen; Barbara McMurray Nelson, niece and husband David of NC and several great nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm Wednesday (September 22, 2010) at East Lawn Funeral Home and at other hours at the residence of Keith Darnell. Services will follow at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel with Troy Hall officiating. Special music will be provided by Travis McMurray and Kayla McMeans. Burial will follow graveside services at 1:00 p.m. Thursday (September 24, 2010) in East Lawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Ray Bennett, Carl Bennett and Matthew Vance. Honorary pallbearers will be Todd Massey, Stanley McMurray, Tim Vance and Randy Gray.

Please visit us at www.eastlawnkingsport.com to place a condolence to the Darnell Family. East Lawn Funeral Home is serving the Darnell Family.