Darrell Lee Philyaw

Kinston – Darrell Lee Philyaw, 67, of Kinston, was called home to be with the Lord on February 6, 2016. He was born on August 26, 1948 in Kinston, NC.

Darrell was a beloved husband, father, Papa, son, brother, and uncle to his dear family and a shining light to all that were blessed to have known him. For if you knew him, even if you only met him once, then your life was changed forever because you were in the presence of one of God’s amazing men. Darrell was an “old soul” with a kind heart, gentle words, humble spirit, and willingness to serve that left a lasting impression on everyone whom he came in contact with. He was a member of Kinston First Pentecostal Holiness Church where he served for more than 38 years as Sunday School teacher, Royal Ranger Chaplain, deacon, and his most beloved position as an Associate in KFPH’s Children’sChurch Ministry. Because of his love for God’s creation, he studied horticulture at Lenoir Community College, and displayed his talent through his work at Cardinal Chemicals and Harvey Fertilizer in Kinston from which he retired.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Lee Philyaw and Edna Louise Huffman Philyaw, and his younger brother William Brian (Billy) Philyaw, all of Comfort, NC.

Darrell is survived by his wife, Nancy, son Ryan Philyaw and wife Emilie, daughter Gina and husband Jon Riggs, all of Kinston, NC, four grandchildren, Jessica Riggs, Brock Riggs, Gabe Philyaw, and Lydia Philyaw, brother Hank Philyaw and wife Teresa of Comfort, sister Ann Mercer and husband Billy of Trenton, sister-in-law Sue Philyaw of Louisburg, sister-in-law Linda Wiegand of Kinston, and brother-in-law Gene DeMartino and wife Elaine of Comfort, along with many loving nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and aunts Florence Philyaw, Annis Horne, Faye Marsh, Macye Andrews, Sue Huffman and uncle Charles Huffman.

A Memorial Celebration of Life is planned for 7 pm Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at Kinston First Pentecostal Holiness Church, 711 Phillips Road, Kinston, North Carolina with the Reverends Brian Rogers, Jim Forehand, and Willis Pearson presiding. Visitation will precede the service from 5:30 pm until 7 pm at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be directed to The Connection Children’s Ministries, Kinston First PH Church, 711 Phillips Road, Kinston, NC 28501.

Arrangements by Kahlert Funerals & Cremations in Maysville.