Larry Darnes, age 81 of Maryville, passed away Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Blount Memorial Hospital. He graduated from Greenback High School where he was captain of his basketball team, and was also known as “Mr. Greenback.” He got his undergrad in Engineering at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville and his Master’s Degree in Engineering from The University of California, Berkeley. Larry was retired from the Federal Highway Administration with over 35 years of service. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing with his Tuesday group. He enjoyed drawing, yard work, wildlife and bird watching. Larry was a devout Christian who worshipped in faith at Fairview United Methodist Church. Preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Birdie Darnes; sister, Loma Farner; brother, Ray Darnes. Survived by his beloved wife of almost 50 years, Jean Darnes; sons and daughter-in-law, David and Nikki Darnes, Eric Darnes; grandchildren, Brandon, Evan, Hailey; brother, Bobby Darnes; many nieces and nephews. The register book will be available on Thursday, February 4, 2021 from 1:00 until 5:00 PM at the funeral home. A private Graveside Service will be held at Cane Creek Cemetery in Tellico Plains. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one of the following: The First Tee, www.thefirsttee.org; American Heart Association, www.heart.org; Blount County Humane Society, www.blountcountyhumanesociety.org; Fairview United Methodist Church, www.fairview-umc.org, in memory of Larry. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.
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