Phil Darnell, age 82 of Morristown, went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, July 21, 2023.

At the age of 11 years old, he was saved and baptized at Holt’s Baptist Church. He joined Macedonia Baptist Church on October 23, 1960. On December 18, 1960, he was elected as Sunday School teacher and remained a teacher there until his death. He also served as a Sunday School superintendent, and was ordained on September 18, 1977 as a deacon.

He was born on December 2, 1940. Phil’s personality was like a magnet. He never met a stranger and anyone who knew him loved him.

He graduated from Morristown High School in 1959 where he excelled in baseball and had the opportunity to play with the Chicago Cubs, but ultimately he chose another path for his life.

In October 1963, Phil married Brenda Treece and they were married for 59 years until his death. God blessed them with a precious daughter, Donna Darnell Jennings, son-in-law Jon Jennings, and two grandchildren Rachel and Jacob Jennings.

Phil founded Lakeway Fire Protection in 1969. He was known as a fair and honest man of integrity. He was respected and loved by his employees. He loved the outdoors including farming and collecting antique tractors.

He bought and restored a 1914 Aultman & Taylor steam traction engine which was featured on a 1989 episode of the Heartland Series.

He is preceeded in death by his Grandmother, Emma Darnell, Mother, Gladys Sullivan, Father and mother-in-law, Robert and Virginia Treece.

Other survivors include sister, Martha Ann Sullivan Eaton of Charlotte, North Carolina along with special nephews, nieces, and a host of beloved friends.

Family will receive friends at Macedonia Baptist Church on Thursday, July 27th from 4p.m. to 7p.m. with the funeral service to follow. Rev. Roger Porter and Rev. Ken Cole will be officiating. Graveside Service will be held at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery on Friday, July 28th at 11a.m. with Rev. Gary Satterfield officiating.

Pallbearers will be Ernie Noe, Jason Noe, Noah Mayes, Mark Barnard, Markus Barnard, Wayne Barnard, Bob Darnell and Nicolas Smelcer. Honorary Pallbearers will be Richard Smelcer, Roger Weston, Eddie Epps, Nelson Harbin and Jim Hawk.

Arrangements by Mayes Funeral Home.