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.
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13 Condolence(s)
Cynthia C Richmond
Monday, February 16, 2026
Jeff, Paula and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Darnell's passing. Prayers of strength and comfort are with you all.
Michael Dulaney
Monday, February 16, 2026
I was very fortunate to meet and become friends with Darnell when he worked for Jones Truck Lines and i worked at Norac Chemical. He taught me everything i know about properly loading and hauling freight, all while smiling and joking around, He was a good friend and i never had a doubt about his love and care for me. I will surely miss seeing him and nothing will ever be the same, We all loved Darnell
Treva Kapales McDaniel
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Paula and Jeff, I am so sorry for your loss .
I have some nice childhood memories. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Crystal Cotton
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Tammie King
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Paula & Jeff, I am sorry to hear about Darnell's passing. May God help you in the days and times to come remembering all the good times and happy memories.
Donnie & Annette Ginn
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Jeff and family
We will miss Darnell and his stories of fishing and his kindness towards us Always willing to help Donnie I remember him riding his scooter to our home Fancy (my dog) would get so excited he came for a visit She loved Darrell and would jump up in his lap
Praying God’s peace surrounds your family now
STEVE JONES
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Jeff, Your loss is heavns gain, your father and mother were great people, they are both missed. Rest assured that they will walk with Jesus. Prayers for you and your family . Also David Mitchell, take care my friend, remember to lean on God for support during your time of mourning. May God watch over both of your families.
Derwin Guest
Saturday, February 14, 2026
I meet Darnell in Clarksdale when he drove truck to the plant where I worked. He would tell us stories of hunting and fishing. Darnell was well like every where he went. He will be missed by many. Great guy my prayers go out to his family and friends
Billy J Amos Jr and Susan Amos
Saturday, February 14, 2026
He will be missed. Prayers for all the family and friends. Knew him and his wife since I was 16.
Jenise McGee
Friday, February 13, 2026
Pop I know these are words that you never expected me to say but I’m going to miss you. I’m going to miss the panic calls when you need help with something, I’m going to miss you running in my office in a panic over something small, I will definitely miss you helping me vacuum and I will miss cooking for you because you enjoyed having a home cooked meal everyday and the call in the middle of the day asking what are you cooking this afternoon do I need to go to the store or lay something out and if you didn’t call as soon as I walked in the door you stood up and said I’m not rushing you but what are you cooking You also helped me save money I did not eat out as much. I’m so glad we had this time together we all enjoyed having you so much. We saw a side of you we had never seen. You were loving, caring, helpful and could be quite humorous. Rest in peace Pop until we meet again. I love you signed your favorite daughter in law!!
Winston trail
Friday, February 13, 2026
Sorry cuz to hear of your passing. Prays for your family!!
Debbie Trail Childress
Friday, February 13, 2026
Darnell is now home with Claire and his parents. As wonderful as that is, I realize he will be greatly missed by his family. Please know that I send my love and prayers for each one of you during this difficult time.
Judy Travis
Friday, February 13, 2026
You will surely be missed. Praying for your Family.