Darell E. Ferrell
Title
Darell E. Ferrell
Source
Cremeens Funeral Home
Date
September 23, 2023
Text
After a nearly 29 year long battle of fighting paralysis and infinite health issues, Darrell E. Ferrell, 51, of Gallipolis passed away on September 23, 2023 in Miamisburg.
Darrell was born in Gallipolis on June 11, 1972. He attended Gallia Academy High School before moving to Charleston, South Carolina where he began his career in construction. Shortly after returning to Gallipolis, Darrell welcomed his one and only child, Jayla. He worked until October 15, 1994 when he was in a tragic car accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Darrell was only 22 years old with an 11 month old daughter when he was told he would never be able to walk again. Although he faced unimaginable circumstances, Darrell adapted to this new life and fought every day for Jayla. Darrell attended Centenary Church before his accident, where he was saved on January 18, 1993 and he faithfully continued his relationship with God for the remainder of his life by daily scripture reading and online church services.
Darrell was a family man. He truly loved everyone and looked forward to each visit he would have with family and friends. He had an enormous heart and a great sense of humor. His favorite things to do were watching movies with his brother, Tony, whom was his best friend, having phone chats with his niece Karissa, he liked to try new restaurants, and loved to listen to music, both new and old. He spent his days working on his art, watching his favorite sports teams (Browns, Buckeyes, Reds, and Duke basketball) with his son-in-law, Jackson, and playing with his two grandsons, Bennett and Hudson. If you knew Darrell, you knew that Bennett and Hudson were his world and they both loved their Papaw just as much. Darrell was strong, empathetic, and kind yet stubborn and strong willed. He loved Fall weather, Christmas lights, and reading. These are all traits that he passed to his daughter, Jayla. Darrell loved drawing, painting, dancing, and eating icecream; these favorites will live on through his oldest grandson, Bennett. And lastly, Darrell's contagious smile, blue eyes, and joy for making people laugh will always be seen when looking at his youngest grandson, Hudson.
He will be mourned but always remembered and loved by his daughter Jayla (Jackson) Smith, his two grandsons Bennett Smith and Hudson Smith, his brother Tony Ferrell, and niece Karissa Ferrell; along with many uncles, aunts, and cousins. He is also remembered by special friends Mick McWhorter, Carol Simms, and Karen Siders.
Darrell is preceded in death by his loving parents, Leonard “Gene” E. Ferrell and Patricia “Kay” K. Ferrell, that he longed to be reunited with; and grandparents Vance A. Dray, Rosalee McGuire-Dray, Elizabeth F. Ferrell-Elston, and Wilkie L. Elston.
The memorial service will be held at Cremeens-King Funeral Home on October 13, 2023 at 1pm. Reverend Christian Scott will deliver Darrell's eulogy.
Memorial Donations may be made in Darrell’s name to The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis as this foundation meant a lot to him. He was hopeful that a cure for paralysis would be made in his lifetime.
His daughter wishes to send a special thank you to everyone that has kept in contact with Darrell over the years and has checked in on him. She also thanks anyone that continues to keep her and her family in their prayers as they continue life without their Daddy, Papaw, brother, uncle, nephew, and cousin.
Darrell was born in Gallipolis on June 11, 1972. He attended Gallia Academy High School before moving to Charleston, South Carolina where he began his career in construction. Shortly after returning to Gallipolis, Darrell welcomed his one and only child, Jayla. He worked until October 15, 1994 when he was in a tragic car accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Darrell was only 22 years old with an 11 month old daughter when he was told he would never be able to walk again. Although he faced unimaginable circumstances, Darrell adapted to this new life and fought every day for Jayla. Darrell attended Centenary Church before his accident, where he was saved on January 18, 1993 and he faithfully continued his relationship with God for the remainder of his life by daily scripture reading and online church services.
Darrell was a family man. He truly loved everyone and looked forward to each visit he would have with family and friends. He had an enormous heart and a great sense of humor. His favorite things to do were watching movies with his brother, Tony, whom was his best friend, having phone chats with his niece Karissa, he liked to try new restaurants, and loved to listen to music, both new and old. He spent his days working on his art, watching his favorite sports teams (Browns, Buckeyes, Reds, and Duke basketball) with his son-in-law, Jackson, and playing with his two grandsons, Bennett and Hudson. If you knew Darrell, you knew that Bennett and Hudson were his world and they both loved their Papaw just as much. Darrell was strong, empathetic, and kind yet stubborn and strong willed. He loved Fall weather, Christmas lights, and reading. These are all traits that he passed to his daughter, Jayla. Darrell loved drawing, painting, dancing, and eating icecream; these favorites will live on through his oldest grandson, Bennett. And lastly, Darrell's contagious smile, blue eyes, and joy for making people laugh will always be seen when looking at his youngest grandson, Hudson.
He will be mourned but always remembered and loved by his daughter Jayla (Jackson) Smith, his two grandsons Bennett Smith and Hudson Smith, his brother Tony Ferrell, and niece Karissa Ferrell; along with many uncles, aunts, and cousins. He is also remembered by special friends Mick McWhorter, Carol Simms, and Karen Siders.
Darrell is preceded in death by his loving parents, Leonard “Gene” E. Ferrell and Patricia “Kay” K. Ferrell, that he longed to be reunited with; and grandparents Vance A. Dray, Rosalee McGuire-Dray, Elizabeth F. Ferrell-Elston, and Wilkie L. Elston.
The memorial service will be held at Cremeens-King Funeral Home on October 13, 2023 at 1pm. Reverend Christian Scott will deliver Darrell's eulogy.
Memorial Donations may be made in Darrell’s name to The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis as this foundation meant a lot to him. He was hopeful that a cure for paralysis would be made in his lifetime.
His daughter wishes to send a special thank you to everyone that has kept in contact with Darrell over the years and has checked in on him. She also thanks anyone that continues to keep her and her family in their prayers as they continue life without their Daddy, Papaw, brother, uncle, nephew, and cousin.
Original Format
Collection
Citation
“Darell E. Ferrell,” Meigs County Library History Site, accessed November 23, 2024, https://history.meigslibrary.org/items/show/25118.