James Thomas “J.T.” Darnell, age 90, of Shelbyville, passed from this life Sunday, May 22, 2022, at Vanderbilt-Bedford Hospital.
Funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, 2022, in the chapel of Doak Howell Funeral home with Rev. Mark Hall officiating. Burial will follow at Wheel Cemetery.
Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Born on October 28, 1931, in the Wheel community of Bedford County, he was the son of the late James Leslie and Nellie C. Neill Darnell. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by: son, Jimmy Darnell; and grandson, Chandler Darnell.
J.T. lived in Bedford County his entire life. Professionally he was self-employed in construction, he was a faithful member of Ransom United Methodist Church and has been a part of countless projects in the local community. He was a member of several groups including the Shelbyville Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and Shriners.
In his retirement J.T. was a very active individual. He enjoyed his daily routine of making his rounds visiting family and friends, working on projects at his shop, and exercising.
He is survived by: loving wife of 47 years, Margie Nell Yoes Darnell of Shelbyville; daughters, Brenda Darnell, Janis (Mark) Cannon, and Sandy Gordon, all of Shelbyville; step-sons, Ricky (Rhea) Smith and Jerry (Kelly) Smith; daughter-in-law, Sherri Darnell; grandchildren, Blake (Korley) Cannon, Ashley Cannon, Sean Darnell, Lauralee (Jon) Maxwell, and Andrew Gordon; step-grandchildren, Zach (Megan) Smith, Caleb Smith, Maranda Smith, and Desire (Jason) Carden; great-grandchildren, Lizzie and Xaylie Gordon; and step-great granddaughter, Avah Smith.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, www.pancan.org, or 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266; or to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org, or P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.
Doak-Howell Funeral Home is serving the family.
www.doakhowellfuneralhome.com
