Gregory Wade Darnell, age 64, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 22, 2015, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge. A 1968 graduate of Clinton High School, Greg was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served during the Vietnam War. He held several positions during his 40-year career, most notably as a police officer with the City of Clinton, a 20-year employee of Boeing as a Fire Protection Engineer, and as Codes Enforcement Officer and Building Commissioner for Anderson County. His retirement was short but very much enjoyed as he pursued his interests on his farm on Granite Road and explored the countryside riding his beloved motorcycles with Sally. Just last year he completed the "Iron Butt "Challenge by riding 1067 miles from Clinton to Key West, FL non-stop in 18 ½ hours. He was the President of the Red Knights TN 2 and a 40 year member of the FOP Lodge 25 in Clinton. One of his greatest achievements while with the Red Knights TN 2 was being one of the original organizers of the yearly 9/11 Remembrance Ride which is a motorcycle ride to remember the sacrifice of emergency personnel who lost their lives on 9/11.

Greg was preceded in death by his father, Frank Darnell. Survivors include his mother, Margaret Darnell, his devoted wife of 40 years, Sally Darnell all of Clinton, daughter Sheree and husband, Michael Bowman, and adored granddaughter, Amelia Grace, all of Knoxville, cousin, Doug Wright and wife, Sherry also of Clinton; his in-laws, Roger and Claire Mottram of Mechanic Falls, ME, sisters-in-law Sylvia Heath of Poland, ME, and Irene Yaws and her husband, Neil, of Addison, ME as well as other family members and friends.

Abiding by his wishes, he will be cremated and a visitation will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 4, 2015 followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. Guests are asked to wear casual attire and are invited to join Greg on a final ride from Holley Gamble Funeral Home to the Oak Ridge Eagles Club, 1650 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 for refreshments and fellowship after the memorial.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted by the Medford Volunteer Fire Department at 3250 Lake City Hwy, Rocky Top, TN 37769.

Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. holleygamblefh.com