Billy Ray Darnell, 72, a well-known resident of Deer Lick Rd. Ewing, passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at Fleming County Hospital.  He was a retired employee of the State Highway Department and a former associate of Carpenter Insurance Agency and a farmer.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp serving from 1959-1963.
Mr. Darnell was born in Fleming County on June 5, 1939 son of the late William Mason & Thelma Duncan Darnell.  He was a member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church & Fleming Lodge #112 F & AM and Lexington Scottish Rite.  He was also a member of El Hasa Shrine in Ashland, KY and a Life time member of the VFW and the American Legion.
Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Norma Lee Gore Darnell.  1 son, Travis (Lynn) Darnell of Augusta, 1 daughter, Melissa Gilbert of Aberdeen.  9 grandchildren, Michelle Darnell, Ashley Darnell, Dustin Hamilton, Chelsea Darnell, Shannon Hamilton, Kaleb Darnell, Shawn Burden, James Tumey and Daniel Tumey.  Several great grandchIldren also survive.  1 sister, Betty Lou (Wyatt) Hedges of Cynthiana and a brother Nolan "Toad" (Sharon) Darnell of Maysville.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a step-daughter, Vicki Lynn Rose.
Services will be conducted at 1 P.M. Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012 at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Fairview with Rev.  Todd Wiley officiating.   Burial will follow in the Elizaville Cemetery with military graveside rites by Flemingsburg VFW Post # 1834.  Visitation 5 – 9 PM, Friday at the churchwith Masonic Rites at 7:30 P.M.  Memorials suggested to Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church.  Palmer Funeral Home of May's Lick is serving the family. www.palmerfuneralhome.net

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