Mr. Thomas Melvin Darnell, 72, of Elkin passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital. He was born in Surry County on July 12, 1940 to the late John Russell and Marie Carter Darnell. Mr. Darnell was a retired automotive mechanic and a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.

Survivors include his devoted son and daughter-in-law, Brian Keith and Rachel Darnell of Ararat; his beloved granddaughter, Taylor Nicole Darnell; a sister and brother-in-law, Lola Darnell and husband Don Bell of State Road and a brother Donnie and wife Susie Darnell of Elkin. In addition to his parents, Mr. Darnell was preceded in death by his wife, Mrs. Gayle Snow Darnell and sister, Joyce Darnell Pardue.

A graveside service will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2013 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church cemetery, of Elkin, by Rev. Danny Dodds. The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday from 12:30 until the hour of the service.

Moody-Davis Funeral Home is serving the Darnell family.

Online condolences may be made at wwwmoodyfuneralservices.com.