of West Helena, AR

January 5, 1944 - February 12, 2026

Harley Darnell McGee of West Helena, Arkansas departed this life on Thursday, February 12, 2026, in the early morning to go on one of the greatest fishing and hunting adventures of his life. Darnell was an avid outdoorsman that loved to fish, hunt deer, squirrels, rabbits or just go dig for arrow heads. He just wanted to be outside doing something, or he got cabin fever as he called it.

He was born on January 5, 1944, in Madison, Arkansas to the late Harley and Mattie Parker McGee. He is predeceased by his wife Clara Little McGee.

The ones left to cherish the memories of him are his sister, Marion Simes of Carrollton, Mississippi and her three children and grandchildren; son Jeff McGee and his wife Jenise of Marion, Arkansas; daughter, Paula McGee of West Helena, Arkansas; four grandsons, Christopher Alan Woodyard of Eldorado, Arkansas, Jeffrey Darnell McGee, Jr. and his wife Crissy, Marion Andrew McGee and his wife Ashley, and Bailey Kendall McGee of Marion, Arkansas; six great grandchildren, Mackenzie Alise Wreyford (Luke), Brooklyn Rae McGee, Harley Drace McGee, Jeffrey Darnell McGee III, Mary Parker McGee, Archie Marion McGee, Anna Beth Woodyard, and Allie Jean Woodyard.

He had recently gotten to spend a lot of cherished moments with his family living in Marion, and he loved hearing them come in the door hollering for Papa.
Darnell had one brother from a different mother and father. David Mitchell had been a lifelong friend, and they shared a lot of secrets and mischief but their love for each other was none other than that of brothers. They told each other they loved each other every time they hung up the phone or left from visiting with each other. He loved Little David like a nephew and Little David treated him and loved him the same. Little David watched after him and took care of him when we couldn't and we are forever grateful. We cannot leave Stone Mitchell out because he would be upset. He did his best to look after him and he loved watching him grow up and play sports and hunt.

He leaves behind a lot of other family and close friends. The family would like to thank everyone that took part in helping him when his house burned down and has assisted him since. Your friendship, love and thoughtfulness did not go unnoticed. Donnie Ginn and his sweet wife for the fish and pies, Bill Carnathan for being a great friend checking on him, keeping him company and trying to assist him with getting him a place to stay back in West Helena. Johnny Deaton for bringing his camper in a flash when the house burned and him and Little David getting it set up. Alan Wolfe for all your help with his four-wheeler when it was stolen. You guys really are the best friends he could have asked for. We want to thank you and will forever be grateful.

Serving as pallbearers will be Alan Woodyard, Jeffrey McGee, Andrew McGee, Bailey McGee, Tim Kinney, and Rodney Laureles.

Honorary pallbearers will be David Mitchell, Hayes Turner, Bill Carnathan, Donnie Ginn, Alan Wolfe, Little David Mitchell, and Johnny Deaton.

A funeral service honoring the life of Darnell McGee will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Roller Citizens Funeral Home in West Helena, Arkansas. A visitation will be held prior to at 2:00 p.m.
Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in West Helena. Brother Lance Madden will officiate.

Services will be directed by the staff of Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870)-572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
508 East Plaza Street
West Helena, AR  72390
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com