Paul Willie Darby Sr.

Paul Willie Darby, Sr., 96, peacefully entered eternal rest on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. He was born on October 9, 1928, to the late Adolphus R. Darby and Louetta Waters Darby in Austin, Texas. He was also preceded in death by his two brothers, Adolphus Darby of Louisville, Kentucky and Abner Darby of Lynn, Massachusetts; and daughter-in-law, Carol Darby of Austin, Texas.

Paul was educated in the historic Creedmoor School System and attended old L.C. Anderson High School in 1946, where he and his brothers played football.

Paul accepted Christ at an early age and ordained a Deacon at the Old Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. He was a faithful member of Promiseland Church and served on the Usher Board.

On August 28, 1947, Paul was united in marriage to Norris Dorothy Overton Darby, who entered Heaven’s gates May 26, 2008. Their union lasted 61 years until her passing in 2008. Paul is survived by his four children, Shirley Carter of Hampton, Virginia, Beulah Darby of Austin, Texas; Paul Darby, Jr. (Arcelia) of Austin, Texas, and Esther Butts (Karl, Sr.) of Radcliff, Kentucky; Sharon Ellerby (Don) of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Marc Bean (Nakesha), Brian Bean (Angela), Jeremiah Preston, Sr. (Lisa), Megan Carter (Richmond), Paul Darby III, Kareesha Powell (Phillip), Lauren Darby, Karl Butts, Jr. (Myesha), Rhiannon Girod, Jonah Girod, and Romy Girod; great-grandchildren, Markeisha Robinson (Derrick), Michael Bean, Brianna Bean, Jasmin Bean, Brian Bean, Jr. (Rebekah), Gracie Page, Tyra Hurst, Danielle Bean; Jeremiah Preston, Jr., Joel Preston; Richmond Lewis, Jr, DeSean Lewis, Penelope Darby, Pharra Darby, Paulindra Darby, Kamora Powell, Kalina Powell, Elle Olivia Darby, Darby Anora Moblin, Nia Butts, Simia Butts, Karl Butts, III and Jaylen Butts; great-great-granddaughter, Elanie Robinson of Plano, Texas; and great-great- grandson, Brice Bean of Fort Meyers, Maryland.

Paul lived, loved and worked his entire life without regrets that pleased his family, friends, co-workers, employees and all who knew him (1928-2025)! Paul’s parents loved him and his brothers and taught them to be respectful at all times; help others where you can and never leave God out of your life.

From single to married with children and from the farm to entrepreneurship and community leader.

Paul worked hard as a young man alongside his father and brothers milking cows and other chores on the farm. He also worked at the Driskill Hotel as a waiter in his early years, like countless other young black teen-aged men in the Austin area. He delivered groceries for Nelson Davis Delivery Service in the 1950s. In the early 1960s, he then started driving for Rhodes Mail Service.

Paul eventually bought his own truck and during cotton harvest season would travel throughout Texas transporting folk that picked and pulled cotton along with his family.

Then in 1968, Paul went into business for himself and owned and operated a Texaco Gas Station and restaurant at Cross Country Inn.

Paul realized that being his own boss was the way to go, so he bid on two mail routes around 1970s to Georgetown and Fredricksburg, Texas and maintained those routes and other routes over 30 years with United State Postal Service moving mail throughout central Texas.

Paul was always active in the community, fighting for Civil Rights and making sure all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew the importance of voting to have their voices heard.

Paul served on the Montopolis Advisory Board. He is also a member of the Masons. Throughout his life, he has always been willing to help anyone in need and looking out for his fellow man.

After retirement, he enjoyed working with his son at Nelson Field, AISD Athletics taking tickets at athletic events from 2013-2022.

Mr. Paul Darby, Sr. spent his last years as an Usher here, until he was unable to attend church. Then he spent time enjoying visits from family and friends, watching TV, church services, game shows, the news, westerns, and going out to eat.

A visitation for Paul will be held Wednesday, September 10, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Promiseland Church, 1504 E 51st St. #200, Austin, TX 78723. A graveside service will follow at 1:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville.