John Paul Darnell

Funeral services for John Paul Darnell will be held Thursday, March 10, 2022, at 12:00 noon from Hopewell United Methodist Church in Kemper County with Rev. Joe Kitchens officiating. Burial will follow in the Hopewell Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 9, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Home and one hour prior to service at 11:00 until time of service at the church. McClain-Hays Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Darnell, 72, of Kemper County, died Monday, March 7, 2022, at his home. John Paul Darnell was a native of Kemper County where he lived his entire life. He was married to Georgia Pilgrim Darnell for 49 years until he lost his sweetheart last January. He was born and raised in the Hopewell Community where he lived the rest of his life. He worked a total of about 30 years combined with Hughes Telephone Company, Bell South, and AT&T. He retired over ten years ago but remained a Kemper County supervisor until 2016. John Paul enjoyed life on the farm tending to his cows, planting his garden, and “piddling” in his shop. He also enjoyed spending time at the camp house with the guys telling stories, playing Cadillac, and eating some good food. He loved to start his day at Latimer’s with a good cup of coffee and friends. He was the happiest being with Nanny, his children and grandchildren, and always loved watching the grandkids do anything. He was a friend to everyone and lived life to the fullest. Survivors include daughters, Olivia Darnell Johnson (Scott) of Collinsville, MS, and Crystal Darnell Rogers (Shannon) of Pensacola, FL; son, John Alan Darnell of Collinsville, MS; grandchildren, Braylee Johnson, Macee Johnson, Ella Grace Rogers, Coen Rogers, and John Knox Rogers; sisters, Sue Scott of Florence, MS, and Lisa Massey of Carthage, MS; aunt, Jeanette Hagan of DeKalb, MS; numerous special nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Darnell was preceded in death by his sweetheart, Georgia Darnell; mother, Eloise Darnell; father, J. T. Darnell; and sister, Linda Eldridge. Pallbearers are Jason Jolly, Tom Jolly, Evan Jolly, Joe Killens, Tim Pilgrim, Marty McKee, Steve Craft, and Jimmy Wayne McGowen. Honorary pallbearers are Wendell Hagan, Bennie Jolly, Leon Jolly, and Jerry Fox. In lieu of flowers please make all memorials to American Cancer Society.