On May 1st, 2025, God in His infinite wisdom called Ralph Darden (76) to his eternal home of
peace and tranquility. He was born on May 30, 1948, to the late Ralph Darden Sr. and Eva Mae
Darden in Wayne County. He received his primary education in the North Carolina (NC) public
school system. When our granddaughter Myisha came to visit him, he told her that we had to let
him go and started to cry. Leading up to his final days, Ralph said that the Holy Ghost told him he
was free. He was always quoting scriptures.
He had a given talent from God to drive heavy equipment and he utilized these talents
everywhere he went. He began his career with CC Mangum Construction for a short time and
was later employed with Braswell Construction Company for over 20 years. He loved his job. He
was told that he was the best Operator Engineer in North Carolina and the District of Columbia
(DC).
He relocated to Washington, DC and began working at Capital Paving Inc., and was there for over
20 years. Ralph retired three times from construction and was still working prior to his health
failing. He was very proud of the work he did and often bragged about it.
Ralph was a devoted servant of God who loved his family, friends, and church families near and
far. He accepted Christ as a young adult at Raynor Town Progressive Church under the
leadership of Pastor Bertha Cox. Once he relocated to Washington, DC; he joined Little Rock
Church of Deliverance in the late 1990’s under the leadership of Apostle Dr. C. B. Richardson. He
was ordained as Deacon and was known to get his shout on when led by the spirit. He was very
dedicated to God and his church. In July 2021, he moved back to NC and joined MT Zion Bible
Church of God under the leadership of Bishop Brian K. Miller, where he was also ordained as
Deacon 2024. He was so proud of what he had accomplished and knew that God was pleased.
He loved the Lord and didn’t mind praising God at anytime, anywhere.
He loved his family and always wanted to have cookouts or fish fry’s just to get family and friends
together. He also was a die-hard Dallas Cowboy fan and didn’t mind telling you he was a fan. He
has now joined his parents Ralph and Eva Darden; sons Lamont, Pierre and Ralph Jr.; brothers
Henry, James, Clarence, and Edward; sisters Lucille, Mattie, and Beulah in eternal rest.
He leaves to cherish his memories, a loving and devoted wife of over 30 years, Mary Darden of
the home; two daughters, Michelle Wilson and Kecia Darden of NC, bonus daughters, Sheleada
Rawlings of MD and Lakisha Browne of Fla, a son, Larry Raynor of NC, bonus sons, Raymond
Blount and Larry Rawlings of MD. Godchildren, Carlton Richardson Jr, Ebony Brooks, Arthur Paul,
and Kimberly Shufford all of MD. 21 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Sisters Elizabeth
Jones of GA, and Margaret Elliott of Jacksonville NC; a brother Randolph Darden of Goldsboro
NC., Aunts, Elnora Hodges and Mary Best of VA, and Gladys Best of NC; Sister-in-laws: Nancy
Fennell, Pauline Rawlings, Sue Darden, Dean Thompson, Frances Darden, Rosa Crider, Diane
Saddler, Yvonne Jones, Margaret Rawlings and Shirley Greene. Brother-in-laws: Arthur Rawlings,
Daniel Rawlings and Arthur O'Berry
Friday, May 9, 2025
7:00 - 9:00 pm (Eastern time)
Mt. Zion Bible Church of God
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
Princeton Baptist Church
Visits: 745
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