Roger Dale Darby, a “good ole boy” proud to have been born and died a Southerner, departed this earthly pilgrimage at NMMC-Tupelo on Saturday October 10, 2026, after an extended period of declining health. He was 80 years old, almost 81. Roger was born in Pope, Panola County, Mississippi on October 24, l945 to the late Henry Clay Darby and Fairy Mae Ware Darby. He spent a few years there before moving to Lee County where he lived the rest of his life. He was a great man of work, often called a workaholic by his family. For over 50 years, he worked for Long’s Uniform Rentals and for Borden’s Ice Cream Company, all located at the corner of Eason Blvd and Veterans St. Roger led a simple life that included devotion to making a living for his family, helping raise his siblings, minding his own business and remaining a busy body until he lost sight about 4 years ago. He loved to garden and mow his yard and was known for a generous heart giving anyone the shirt off his back. He was an excellent money manager, frugal and down to earth. He married Wilma Lou Vick Darby on August 25, 1992, a marriage of 34 years at his death.
A service honoring his life and times will take place at 4 PM Wednesday, October 14, 2026 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with Bro. Robert Ellis officiating. Visitation will begin at 3 PM Wednesday and continue until service time at 4 PM. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at 4 PM Wed. at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Live-streaming and will be archived thereafter.
Roger leaves behind his wife, Wilma of Mooreville; his daughter Marie Darby of Saltillo; his children through his marriage to Wilma; Gary Moxley (Martie) of Ecru; , Stephen Moxley of Tupelo and Angie Moxley of Mooreville; his siblings, Terry “Dinky” Darby, Ricky Darby, Brenda Kendall, Mary Kendall and Fay Floyd; his grandchildren, Zack Moxley whom he raised, and Matthew, Seth, Samentha and Stacy; several nieces, nephews and their families and a host of other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Fairy Mae Darby; his granddaughter, Kayla Darby and his brothers, Ray and Richard Darby.
Holland Funeral Directors is honored to be serving the family. Condolences may be posted on Roger’s memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com.
