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Joseph L. "Santa Joe" Darnell

Joseph L. "Santa Joe" Darnell obituary, Charleston, SC

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J. Henry Stuhr Northwoods Chapel

2180 Greenridge Rd

North Charleston, South Carolina

Joseph Darnell Obituary

Joseph L. Darnell "Santa Joe" GOOSE CREEK - Joseph L. Darnell, affectionately known as "Santa Joe", lost his battle with ALS Monday, August 11, 2014. Born October 26, 1950 to the late James R. Darnell and Ethel H. Darnell, he was a 1969 graduate of R.B. Stall. After graduation he went on to work for AVCO, GE and Cummins Engine Company where he retired as Operation Manager. After retirement, he worked for Crowfield Baptist Church where he was a member. The job of a lifetime was playing "Santa" at Northwoods Mall, 2009-2011. He felt the Santa gig, as he called it, was not a job but an honor. He brought so much happiness to children but nothing compared to the happiness and joy they brought him. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 44 years, Debbie M. Darnell. His two sons who he was so very proud of. They were his heart and soul. Michael (Renee) of Hanahan, SC and Justin (Julia) Greenville, SC. His granddaughters Emma and Lyla Darnell of Hanahan and his grandsons, McLeod and McCall Darnell of Greenville, SC. When diagnosed with ALS in 2012, he said not being able to see his grandchildren grow up was his greatest fear. We will keep your memory alive Papa. Also to mourn his loss is his brother, James M. Darnell (Tonda) of Texas and sisters, Joanne Still (Junior) and Ann Haas of Goose Creek and Gloria Durso and Clara Bolen, both of Florida. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law, Thomas McGorty (Starla) and sisters-in-law, Linda Bennett (Ricky) and Kathy Brown (John). He thought of them as brothers and sisters. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. We would also like to thank Dr. Joshua Hutchins, Amedisys Home Health, Piedmont Hospice, BeWell and their wonderful nurses and CNA's who showered Joe with love, compassion and caring during this journey. Also his CNA, Julie Hinderson and Chuck Stevens who gave him such loving care. A viewing will be held Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in J. HENRY STUHR INC., NORTHWOODS CHAPEL, 2180 Greenridge Road. His funeral service will be held Friday, August 15, 2014 in the Crowfield Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. Interment, Carolina Memorial Park. Flowers will be accepted or you can make contributions to ALS Association SC Chapter, 1023 Wappoo Rd, Ste A-19, Charleston, SC 29407 or Crowfield Baptist Church, 100 Hunters Lane, Goose Creek, SC 29445. He once said after being diagnosed "Maybe God needs a Santa in Heaven". Yes, my love, and he's getting the best. A memorial message may be sent to family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Aug. 12 to Aug. 13, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Darnell

Not sure what to say?





Jennifer Keevern

August 26, 2014

Debbie,

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. You are such a strong woman and I admire all that you did for Joe. He will be missed dearly and I love you both.
XOXO

August 21, 2014

To Debbie and family, I would like to send my sincere condolences on Skippy's passing. May he R.I.P Brett Weber

Mayor and City Council of Hanahan

August 20, 2014

Michael, Renee and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of your father. Your family is in our thoughts and in our prayers. Mayor Minnie Newman-Blackwell and Hanahan City Council: Dan Owens, Kevin Cox, Michael Sally, Joel Hodges, Mike Dyson and Jeff Chandler.

Suzanne Elliott Riggins

August 19, 2014

God bless you and your family Debbie. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Amy Edwards

August 18, 2014

Debbie, I'm so sorry to hear about your husband passing away. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

August 17, 2014

My sympathy to you & your family at Joe's passing. We were together in the RBS Class of '69 & have always had fond memories of those years. My husband passed from the same illness several yrs. ago. I truly understand.
Blessings to you all.
Ruth (Peagler) Wall Tuten
Bonneau, SC

Julie Hickerson

August 17, 2014

I didn't get to know you very well Joe, but in the short time I did get to know you I know you are an amazing person. Im so sad you left, but I know your in a better place right now. God bless you Joe, and to your family. and thank you for the short time I knew you. I was blessed.

David A. Brunson Jr.

August 16, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Wayne Profit

August 15, 2014

Worked a with Joe for many years at Cummins. He was one of the most caring people you would ever want to meet. He will be sadly missed by all. Rest in peace Joe.

Donny Wilkinson

August 14, 2014

AS a youngster at Stall High School, Joe was my bus driver and went out of his way to be very nice to us younger guys. We all looked up to him with such admiration. Football star with the pretty cheerleader as his girl. He was a great guy and he will be missed. Praying for his family.

Lauren Barber

August 14, 2014

My kids loved you Santa Joe. God Bless.

Ellen cantwell

August 14, 2014

I am so sorry to hear this. Santa joe was amazing and will live on in our hearts.

Brenda Pace

August 14, 2014

Debbie, We are so sorry to hear about Joe.It seems that we lose so many of the best people. Our thoughts are with you and the boys.

Frances Bodiford Lewis

August 14, 2014

Debbie and Family,
Joe was very special to all of us, our thoughts and prayers will be with you all furing your time of loss. Joe is in a very special place with all our family that has preceeded him. He will now be joined with "Our Special Angel, Rebecca Michelle Bodiford", surely she was dancing when Santa Joe arrived at the Golden Gates. That is a site I can not wait to see.
Love and prayers be with you all
Love Fran Bodiford Lewis and Family

August 14, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rebecca Jordan- The ALS Association SC Chapter.

Barbara Clem

August 13, 2014

We are so saddened for your loss. Debbie, you and Joe are a source of inspiration to everyone who knows you. Joe truly is "Santa". May God bless and comfort you and the family in the days ahead. Barbara Clem, Lynne, Lisa, Sean and Dustin

Rita Addison

August 13, 2014

Thank you for blessing so many families. Now it's our turn to pray for and bless your family with love, compassion and support.

Cathy Galloway

August 13, 2014

Our family visited with Santa Joe several times for our special Christmas pictures. He was always nice, and had the sweetest smile. May he watch us from Heaven. Prayers to his family...and thanks for sharing him with us.

Gail Morse

August 13, 2014

Debbie and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May God comfort you during your time of sorrow. Joe was a good person and is a much better place with no more pain and sorrow. May you find a little peace knowing that he will always be with you in your mind and in your heart.
Take Care
Gail Thompson Morse

Charlie White

August 13, 2014

I worked with Joe at Cummins, Really Good Person. Rest In Peace Joe!!

August 13, 2014

Rest in peace.

Margaret (Bryant) Todd

August 13, 2014

So sorry to hear about Joe's passing. I know he will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

August 13, 2014

I am so glad for the opportunity to care for Mr. Darnell. Debbie -you took such good care of him. He will be missed by many. May Gods peace and strength surround you and your family.
Rebecca Ambrose

S. Washington

August 13, 2014

Sorry for your loss. May the GOD of all comfort be with the family at this time of sorrow.

August 13, 2014

All the little ones he met knew that Santa really does exist. What a legacy!

Sally Altman

August 12, 2014

Debbie, you and your family are and have been in my prayers but I take great comfort in the company he is keeping right now.

August 12, 2014

All my thoughts and prayers to Debbie and her family.

Mary McSwain

August 12, 2014

Wonderful man. Worked with Joe at Cummins. You will be missed. Rest in peace.

Freda Mixson

August 12, 2014

Pleasant memories of working with Joe at Cummins. Great family man and wonderful person. He was very proud of his sons & Debbie. God bless and comfort his family.

Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results

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