Patrick Darden

Patrick Henry Darden, 87, of Raytown, died Sunday, February 26th at Wilkes Heritage Health Care after an extended illness.A life-long native of Taliaferro County, Mr. Darden was the son of the late George Bernard Darden, Sr. and Leona Pate Darden.He was preceded in death by five brothers and four sisters. Mr. Darden retired as owner of Pat Darden’s Store in Sharon, and earlier in his life, as a pulpwood hauler.Mr. Darden was a professed “yellow dog Democrat” who worked tirelessly promoting local candidates, and a few running for state office that he felt worthy of his effort. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Mary Ramey Darden, Raytown; his daughter, Patti and her husband, Michael W Orr of Hull; grandson, Jackson Darden Orr, Atlanta; his sister, Catherine Hopkins, Washington;sisters-in-law, Mildred Peeler, Washington and Sarah Peel, Dallas, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral mass and graveside service will be held at the Church of the Purification in Sharon GA on Tuesday, February 28th at 3pm.Visitation will be held on Monday, from 6-8pm at Hopkins Funeral Home in Washington GA. A C Darden, Claiborne Darden, Colon Edwards, Gene Edwards, Robert Edwards, Melvin Forehand,Jerry Harris,John Walton Henderson and Paul Peeler will serve as pallbearers.