Darrell Young Dunford

   Senior Chief Darrell Young Dunford, USN, Retired, 46, of Franklin, VA, passed away on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at his family home in Gates, NC.

   Darrell was a 1993 graduate of Gates County High School. After working his way through Chowan College in Murfreesboro, NC, he then continued his education at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, studying Music Education (K-12), minoring in piano and organ performance.

   In December 1998 he joined the United States Navy, and following Basic Training attended Yeoman “A” School in Meridian, Mississippi graduating with honors. He retired in December 2018 with more than 20 years of service. Throughout his time at college, and during his naval career, he enjoyed serving as Director of Music/Conductor as well as pianist/organist for many NC and Tidewater area churches of all faiths, including St. Mary’s Episcopal, Aldersgate United Methodist Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Hillcrest Baptist Church, and Spurgeon Memorial Baptist Church.

   During his naval career, he enjoyed his nickname, “Double D”, and meeting many shipmates whom he remained in contact with after retirement. Always eager to counsel and advise others when requested, he loved his family and friends dearly, and was available to help with advice, financially, or just by being a “sounding board”.

   A member of Big Brothers, the American Guild of Organists, the Arlington Community Choir, the American Choral Directors Association, V.F.W. Post 4441 in Franklin, and Reynoldson Baptist Church, other enjoyments included white water rafting, hiking, and of course, playing and listening to music.

   Darrell was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Young Dunford of Chesapeake, VA; his sister, Lora Ann Dunford of Portsmouth, VA, and by grandparents, Ida and Jack Dunford of Virginia Beach, and Margaret and Tommy Matthews of Gates.

   Surviving is his mother, Ann Dunford Ballard of Gates; his best friend of 38 years, Ryan Sawyer (wife, Liz), and God Children, Landon and Jena Sawyer of Chester, VA; and his “fuzzy buddy” Spanky.

   Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 9^th, at 11:00 a.m. in Reynoldson Baptist Church and will be conducted by Pastor Cody Brinkley. The burial, with military honors rendered by the US Navy, will be at 2:00 p.m. in the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA. With the resurgence of the Covid Virus in the area, no formal visitation is being held; however, friends may visit at the family home in Gates, 1477 NC Hwy 37. Masks and social distancing measures are encouraged.

   In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to: Gates County Wounded Warriors, in care of SECU, P.O. Box 4, Gatesville, NC 27938; or to Reynoldson Baptist Church, P.O. Box 308, Gates, NC 27937 where it will be designated for use in the church’s music department; or to the American Guild of Organists, 475 Riverside Dr., Suite 1260, New York, NY 10115.

   Darrell moored his earthly ship on August 28, 2021 and chartered the new voyage to his Heavenly home with his Lord Jesus.

Peace and Comfort with Blessings to All…………………Navy Mom, Ann Ballard.

   Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com