Darrell Wayne Utley

Darrell Wayne Utley, 65, of Smith Mills, passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Deaconess Henderson.

Born in Henderson to John Tom and Julia Annette (Inge) Utley, Darrell made his arrival as the first baby of the New Year in 1960.

He worked as an ironworker, farmer, and construction worker and was a member of Bellview Methodist Church in Smith Mills. Darrell also served his community as a Smith Mills volunteer firefighter. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and boating, and later, tinkering with stained glass. His happiest moments were those spent with his grandchildren, especially dressing up with them for Halloween. Darrell was known to his family as both hardheaded and a goofball and had a way of turning strangers into friends in no time.

Darrell was preceded in death by his mother and grandparents.

Survivors include his children, Tiffany (Jacob) Knight and Nick Utley; 10 grandchildren, Zoe Smith, Mia Smith, Briar Utley, Alaster Knight, William Aiden Adams, Mason Adams, Amilia Knight, Nora Ruth Knight, Piper Utley, and Murphy Utley; two great grandchildren, Maddox Sturtz and Dallas Sturtz; father, John Tom Utley; brothers, Mike Utley and Tommy Utley; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 8 at Tomblinson Funeral Home in Henderson with Pastor Stephen Hale and Bro. Dennis Williams.

Burial will be private at a later date.

Visitation will be at the funeral home Wednesday, January 7 from 4-8 p.m. and on Thursday, January 8 from 12 p.m. until service time.

Pallbearers will be Nick Utley, Briar Utley, Alaster Knight, William Aiden Adams, Mason Adams, Mike Utley, Tommy Utley, and Kirby Burke.

Honorary pallbearers will be Casey Green, Ron Inge, Brad Inge, George Christian, Brian Basham, and Spurg Gabhart.

Memorial contributions may take the form of contributions to St. Anthony’s Hospice and/or Pathways Counseling Services in Henderson.