Obituary

Darrel Samuels, tall-tales teller, prankster and accomplished traveler, died of thyroid cancer on Sunday, July 20, 2014 surrounded by family and friends.
Born September 23, 1954 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, he attended Farmington Public Schools from Kindergarten through High School. In 1973, he married his main squeeze, Glenda Nance. They had two children, Dustin Douglas Samuels and Brandi Nicole Samuels, both of Farmington. He taught them how to camp, to love nature, to laugh and to just be thankful. He took great pride in lending his family and others a hand anytime they needed it.
Darrel retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone (now AT&T) after 30 years and 2 days. After retiring, he contracted to both the Prairie Grove Telephone Company and the University of Arkansas. He excelled at many things, including being an all-around handyman, self-taught auto mechanic, wood worker, artist, inventor, and witty comedian. But most importantly, he was a husband, father, grandfather, brother and son. He took extreme pride in his only grandchild, Kenzie Paige Samuels (3) of Farmington, for whom he loved to pull around the yard in her little red wagon.
Darrel and Glenda traveled extensively in their truck and fifth-wheel trailer. Along with fellow Arkie Bell travel club members, they have been to every state in the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska. They passed down their passion for travel to both their children, who now both have their own campers.
Darrel was survived by parents, McKinley and Elsie Samuels of Fayetteville; wife, Glenda Faye Nance Samuels of Farmington; son, Dustin Douglas Samuels and wife Kasha of Farmington; daughter, Brandi Nicole Samuels of Farmington; granddaughter, Kenzie Paige Samuels; two brothers, Mike Samuels and wife Ruby of Fayetteville, and Greg Samuels and wife, Kay, of Farmington; numerous aunts and uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces.
A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, July 25, 2014, starting at 2:00 p.m. at Farmington Baptist Church, 49 West Main Street, Farmington, Arkansas. Darrel was never formal, so casual dress is encouraged.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Darrel’s memory to Hope Cancer Resources, 5835 W. Sunset, Springdale, AR 72762, 479-361-5847 ext. 27, www.hopecancerresources.org.
Funeral Service

2:00 pm
Farmington Baptist Church.
Visitation
Visitation information unavailable.
Final Resting Place
Farmington Cemetery
North, Row 05 48, Space 27
General

Sep 23, 1954

Jul 20, 2014

59

Tributes

Our prayers go out for the family. Darrell was deeply loved by so many. No more pain or suffering...he is home with Jesus. Thank you Lord.
Jim and Michelle Everett - friend
So sorry for your loss. Such a great man glad i got to know him he will be missed at Neals .Thoughts and Prayers for the family
melissa chappell - friend
Darrel was a joy to work with. He had a way of making every day a better day. It was impossible to be sad or discouraged in his presence. He had a very positive influence on my life.
Phil Yates - C0-worker, friend
Such a delightful co-worker. We will miss him. Always kind, respectful, and a true joy to work with him. May you find comfort and peace during this difficult time.
"PGTelco girls" - Co-workers
Darrel was unique and a pleasure to know. So sorry he is gone but we will never forget him! Virginia Walker SWB co worker
Virginia Walker - Friend,coworker
We are thinking about you guys.
Calvin and Loretta Watkins - Cousin
Such a joy to work with, loved his pranks and tall tales. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Loyd & Wanda Masterson - SWB Co-worker
Darrel was an inspiration for all of us. His smile and laughter was his example, of how we should laugh and have fun in whatever we are trying to do in life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, as they celebrate his life on Friday.
Chuck Fincher - Friend
Darrel was a good man. He went out of his way to help his fellow man. See you later man, R.I.P.
wendell Huggins - co-worker
I've known Darrel since the mid 1980's when cable splicing was surplused and he came over to Leverett St as a cable repairman. We were all young then. I was an installer/repairman myself and chief steward of the local. What I truly remember of Darrel was that he was a joy to be around and to work with. He always seemed to have a smile and was intuitive about human nature and what makes us tick as people. He understood and showed compassion for his fellow man. He new how to get the work done whether running trouble in cable pairs or splicing in general. I was glad for Darrel when he was able to retire in what most of us considered early just over 30 years. Darrel was a man in the moment, this gave him quality time no matter what his choices were to be. On occasion he would drop by 2787 McConnell Rd, always with a smile and to let us old timers know that there is life after SWBT,SBC,ATT. What I'll always remember is his smile, quick wit, his love of life, his Hope through any situation. Truly Darrel was an example of a life well lived. Peace be with you and your family Darrel. RIP....Rob Desbien friend and Co-worker.
Rob Desbien - Co-worker SWBT,SBC,ATT
We are very truly sorry for your loss, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything during this time of loss, we are there for you and your family.
George Pendergrass/Misty Jones - Friend of Dustin Samuels
Glenda, I am so very sorry for your loss of Darrel. I remember when Jim and I would go see Nick & Joyce and you all were there. Such a fun, sweet couple! It was obvious even then that you were so lucky to have each other. As you are in my thoughts, you are in my prayers. Much love to your family.
Mary Easterling - friend
So very sorry for your loss. Darrell was so easy to work with. Always kind and smiling. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Griscom - co-worker/friend
I am so sorry for your loss. I know that he will be greatly missed.
Diana Parker - Family friend
My heart is saddened to hear of Darrell's death . He and I hired on a few weeks apart and retired a few weeks apart. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.our prayers are with you, Mike and Rita
Mike and Rita Ferguson - Friend and coworker
So sorry for your loss
Ronda Blakemore - friend
Funeral Service

2:00 pm
Farmington Baptist Church.
Visitation
Visitation information unavailable.
Final Resting Place
Farmington Cemetery
North, Row 05 48, Space 27
General

Sep 23, 1954

Jul 20, 2014

59