David Franklin Darsey, age 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

David was born on July 19, 1937, in Dexter, Georgia, to the late Lester H. Darsey and Ellen C. Darsey.

David was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend—a true family man who was always just one call away, no matter the need. Known for his unwavering character, he was a man of his word who lived by the belief that actions speak louder than words. His life reflected that truth in every way.

In his younger years, David worked for Dublin Service Center and RC Cola before becoming a District Manager for Southeast Georgia Zippy Markets. He later dedicated 31 years of service to Husqvarna, formerly known as Roper/ Electrolux/AYP, before retiring. Never one to sit still, David continued working for many years at the Laurens County Recycle Center on Scotland Road. He remained a familiar face there until December 2025, when declining health required him to step away from work. For the past ten years, he also faithfully worked alongside his family during the Fourth of July and New Year's Eve seasons at the TNT Fireworks stand at Wal-Mart, where he enjoyed helping customers. He was known for cutting grass for several people in the community and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

David had a deep love for the outdoors and found great joy in spending time in nature. He especially enjoyed fishing and treasured the many memories made on family vacations. Among his favorite places were the mountains, where he loved taking in God's creation and spending quality time with those he loved most. One of his greatest joys each year was decorating the family yard on McLendon Road for Christmas. He took tremendous pride in creating a festive display for family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy, making it a cherished tradition and a reflection of his generous spirit. Whether working, fishing, tinkering in his shop, traveling, decorating for the holidays, or helping a neighbor, David lived a life marked by dedication, humility, and service to others.

David's faith was the cornerstone of his life. The Lord was faithful and answered many prayers when David accepted the Lord as his Savior and was baptized in August 1976, at Alamo First Baptist Church. Throughout the years, he faithfully served in various churches, serving on numerous committees and helping wherever he was needed. In 2002, he was ordained as a Deacon, a role he cherished as he faithfully served the Lord and others. At the time of his passing, David was a member of Olivet Baptist Church and loved his church family dearly.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Lester Darsey Jr., Johnnie Lee Darsey, and Charles "Buddy" Darsey; and his sisters, Sallie Lou Darsey, Ellen Bartow, and Robbie Nell Bloodworth; his infant daughter, Patricia Ann Darsey, and his grandson-in-law, Dustin Brooks.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 64 years, Annette Darsey; his children, Linda (Pearl) Smith of Waycross, Georgia, Shelia (Scott) Chaney of Alamo, Georgia, and Jeffery (Kim) Darsey of East Dublin, Georgia; and three grandchildren whom he raised as his own, Jennifer, Candi, and Sharon Vaughn of Dublin, Georgia. He is also survived by grandchildren Erin (Jason) Hughes of Hazlehurst, Georgia, Tyler Chaney of Jacksonville, Florida, Jordan (Brittany) Darsey of East Dublin, Georgia, and Brooke Darsey (Phillip Norris) of Dublin, Georgia; step-grandchildren Kevin (Hannah) Wilkinson of East Dublin, Georgia, and Michelle (Randy) Booth of East Dublin, Georgia; along with nine great-grandchildren: Allison, Tenley, and Reid Haymons; Haddilyn Brooks and Tucker Hughes, all of Hazlehurst, Georgia; Alice Pikes and Emily Darsey, and great-grandson, due in October, all of East Dublin, Georgia, Joseph Norris of Dublin, Georgia; step-great-grandchildren Bryson and Aniya Wilkinson, and Lyndsey, Macee, and Lily Graham, all of East Dublin, Georgia. He is also survived by one special brother-in-law, Richard Guinn of East Dublin, Georgia, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and other beloved family members.

Pallbearers will be Michael Hooks, Michael Guinn, Mike Clay Jr., Sam Yarbrough, Ralph Hall, and Sid Harrison.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Joy Sunday School Class of Olivet Baptist Church.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 20th, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Townsend Brothers Funeral Home in Dublin, Georgia.

Services will be held on Tuesday, July 21st, at 2:00 p.m. at Olivet Baptist Church in Dublin, Georgia, with burial to follow at Bluewater Baptist Church Cemetery in Dublin, Georgia.

Rev. Max Rodgers and Rev. Tony Stracener will officiate the service.

David fought the good fight, finished the race, and has received the greatest healing of all. For that, we rejoice and continue to give God the praise. Even in death, the Lord remains faithful.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7