Paul Ray Darden

Clinton

Paul Ray Darden 61, departed this life for his heavenly reward on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at his home.

Paul was born November 26, 1961 to the late Billy Ray Best and Addie Darden Smith in Newton Grove, NC. Paul was educated in the Sampson County School system, attending Hobbton High School where he was known to have a mean mean hook shot.

Home Going service will be 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Hope Valley Hawkins Funeral Chapel, 1246 Hobbton Hwy., Clinton, NC 28328. Elder Crystal Bennett, officiating. 

Visitation will take place 2:00-6:00 pm, with family present from 5:00-6:00 pm, on Friday, October 27, 2023 at Hope Valley Hawkins Funeral Chapel, 1246 Hobbton Hwy., Clinton, NC 28328.

Paul was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Claude and Estelle Darden; paternal grandparents: Charlie and Leona Best; His parents, Billy Ray Best and Addie Darden Smith; and his beloved twin brother, Earl Ray Darden (Elwinna).

Now left to cherish his memories is his wife, Ola Darden of the home; three special daughters: Elder Crystal Bennett (David) of Clinton, Wanda Murphy of Roseboro, and Aliyah Jones of Charlotte; three special sons: Donnell Chance of Dunn, Kerry Underwood of Newton, and Emennauel Johnson of Charlotte; three sister: Becky Wright (Gerard) of Atlanta, GA, Alice Williams (Dudley) and Michelle Shipman (Colby) of Virginia. As well as a host of uncles, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and very special friend, Dorothy Faison.

Special thank you to Liberty Hospice and Home Care.

Hope Valley Hawkins Funeral Service & Cremation is honored to serve the Darden Family.

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