Richard Stiles Darlington, Jr.
September 23, 2023
CHARLOTTE – Richard Stiles Darlington, Jr., 80, passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from complications following surgery.
Dick was born on April 7, 1943, in Upland, Pennsylvania to Richard Stiles Darlington and Barbara Mae Singer Darlington. He grew up on the family farm near Media, PA, which was part of an original land grant from William Penn, where he was actively involved in the family dairy business while growing up.
Dick was a graduate of Penncrest High School, Class of 1961 and Pfeiffer University, Class of 1965. He earned his MBA from Queens University where he also taught classes in financial planning. Dick enjoyed a long career working for Du Pont in the Fibers Division in Charlotte and later established a career as a financial advisor, working for TIAA. After retiring from TIAA Dick continued working to make life better for others by volunteering in the community.
Dick developed a passion for genealogy where he worked to make connections among many friends and family. As a community servant Dick was involved with the Lions Club where he served as President and Roof Above which serves people who are experiencing homelessness. In addition, Dick was a devoted member of Myers Park Presbyterian Church where he served as a youth advisor, deacon, elder, Stephen Minister, and a member of the Outreach Council. His devotion to these ministries and his extraordinary life of service allowed him to live out Jesus’s command to love your neighbor.
Dick is survived by his loving wife, Beverly Bryan Darlington; son, Richard Stiles Darlington III and his wife, Tina and their son, Jack Mitchell Darlington of Marietta, GA; son, Robert Scott Darlington and his wife, Leslie and their children, Jessica Maye Darlington and Jared Wesley Darlington of Seattle, WA; stepchildren, Laura Hill Dunning and her husband, Sean and their children, William Charles Dunning II and Allison Turner Dunning of Charlotte, NC; and Van Turner Hill, Jr. of Smyrna, GA; brother, Stephen George Darlington and his wife, Mary. Also surviving are his nephew, Jesse Montgomery Darlington and his wife, Jessica and their children James Montgomery Darlington and Elizabeth Kimmel Darlington of Solebury, PA; and many other beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Andrew Christian Darlington as well as his parents. Dick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend, and mentor.
A worship service to celebrate Dick’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Myers Park Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends following the service in Oxford Hall. The service will be livestreamed at: www.myersparkpres.org/live for those unable to attend in person.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in Dick’s memory to Roof Above, 945 North College Street, Charlotte, NC 28206 or Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC 28207.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
-
It was my good fortune to have known Dick from our DuPont days together. He impressed me as a “gentle giant” — an honest-to-goodness great guy, respected by all and loved by many. He assumed the task of liaison amongst our retirees, keeping our work family connected in latter years. He served so many. Dick was a dedicated, trusted friend, advisor, mentor, brother... In fond remembrance of / appreciation for you, Dick Darlington. Peace be with you and your beloved family~
-
In God's care Dick Darlington.
-
Enjoyed working with Dick for years at DuPont. A special person, friend and will be missed. Heaven received another angel.
Blessings & prayers for his family & friends, Frances -
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
-
I knew Richard from his family roots in Pennsylvania and from his position as an Officer of the SFA (Stiles Family of America). Richard could converse on any topic, especially genealogy. It was always a pleasure to engage in conversation with with him. Richard was a genuine, honorable and dignified gentleman. I am fortunate to have known him and
to have called him friend. May his family be surrounded and comforted by the Light, Grace and Peace of God's Perfect Love. -
Someone told me when my father died ‘you can’t weep for a man who gave more to life than he took from it’. Even tho’ my beloved friend Dick got to live longer than my father, the words apply so completely to him. He gave so much to all he knew. How blessed were we all to have had him?
Sending so much love to Beverly, Rick, Scott and all who loved him. -
In Dick's role as a member of the Outreach Council, Anne and I met with him twice in recent months to seek his advice. Not only was he knowledgeable and informative, he went the extra mile to do research on Congo and give us advice going beyond our inquiries.
Dick was intelligent and applied his intelligence and good judgment to make the world a better place. In doing so, he set an example for others. We are grateful for having known him.
Grace & peace....Anne & Fletcher -
I knew Dick when I worked at DuPont. He was such a nice person, so friendly. My mother passed away while I was working there and Dick helped me by investing the money that she left me. Part of that money is still earning interest now and I have Dick to thank for that.
-
My prayers go out to the Darlington family on the loss of a wonderful man. I knew Dick from activities at Myers Park Presbyterian Church when I lived in Charlotte. I also knew him through his loving wife, Beverly. Bev and I were first teachers together at Charlotte Country Day School and then became together more while working on different activities at the church. Dick was a loyal and faithful servant to those he loved and to those he met along the way.
-
Grateful to have known Dick and witnessed such Christian character. Join Beverly, family and friends in sharing the loss but uplifted in memories
Share your memories & condolences