Mr. Charles Darnell

This obituary was lovingly provided by his family...

Mr. Charles Darnell, age 86, of Decatur, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2024. He was born January 18, 1938 in Tallassee, Alabama to Charlie and Montez Darnell. Mr. Darnell grew up around Columbus, Georgia and graduated from Columbus High School. He continued his education at Emory University. Mr. Darnell served in the United States Navy before beginning his career at Lithonia Lighting. During his career he served in several positions of management and retired as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. 

Charles began his vocation at Univac Corporation in electronics and settled at Lithonia Lighting for a 43-year career. Throughout his tenure, Charles achieved numerous milestones, including Chief Information Officer of the year; and leadership on notable projects such as lighting installations for the World Olympics held in Atlanta in 1996. Lithonia Lighting was renamed Acuity Brands Lighting in 2001 and continued to grow under his leadership.

Charles retired from his position as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Acuity Brands in 2005, allowing him to spend his time developing and mentoring executives as well as developing new businesses. Retirement afforded time to hold positions on the boards of directors for Best Lighting Company, Lighting Science Group Corporation, Granite Bridge, and Intermed Biomedical Services, in addition to serving on the advisory board of Emory Eye Clinic.

A lifelong learner, Charles sought his passions with dedication. Excelling in photography, creative art, and technology, he kept his mind sharp. He was proud of becoming an author of a historical fiction novel and utilizing his literary skills. He enjoyed coaching the next generation of executives and served as an adjunct professor at Purdue University. Charles' life was marked by dedication and innovation, leaving a lasting impact on the lighting industry and the people he loved.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Helen Butler Keith Darnell. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Parr Darnell; his sons Mark Darnell and Shawn Leary, Randy and Michelle Darnell; his stepsons Ricky and Lorrie Keith, Randy and Maria Keith, Rusty and Mari Keith; stepdaughters Kristin and Steve Heil, Amy and David Thompson; 12 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; his brothers Kenneth and Gretchen Darnell, Mike and Helen Darnell, and his sister Annette and Dan Lomax, along with nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Darnell will be held at 2 o’clock Saturday, June 22, 2024 at the Chapel of J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home. Interment will follow at New Covington Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Saturday prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in Charles' memory to be made to the Cross Church Seminary Fund, 1709 Johnson Road, Springdale, AR 72758 or Decatur Presbyterian Children’s Community, ℅ Brandon Laird, 205 Sycamore Street, Decatur, GA 30030.

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