Ira G. "Frosty" Darnell

January 23. 2022

Ira Gideon Darnell Jr. was born on the frosty morning of December 5, 1925 to Elmore Culp and Ira Gideon Darnell in Charlotte. Nicknamed “Frosty” from then on, he died on a frosty Sunday morning, January 23, 2022 at the age of 96.

Frosty entered Davidson College in 1943, before transferring to the Navy V-12 officer candidate program at Emory University. He was commissioned in 1945 and reentered Davidson, graduating in 1948. In 1945, Frosty married his childhood sweetheart, Carolyn Porter, both having grown up in Dilworth. He attended graduate school at UNC Chapel Hill. Frosty was called back to active duty in the Korean War, where he served aboard a destroyer, the USS Meredith, with the 6th Fleet from the North Sea to the Mediterranean.

Frosty was a financial executive for many years in public accounting and the textile and distribution industries, retiring as Vice President of B&H Foods.  He served as a tax advisor into his 90’s.  He and Carolyn were active members of Christ Lutheran Church from its earliest days for over 65 years and served in many roles over the years.

Frosty was a gentleman, deeply committed to his faith and family, and was guided by integrity and kindness.  Carolyn, his inseparable companion of 76 years, survives him as well as their five children:  Stephen Darnell and wife Janet of Raleigh, Deborah Ferrell and husband Brent of Shelby, David Darnell and wife Kim of Holmes Beach, Florida, Stuart Darnell and wife Kristin of Charlotte, and Susan Liebert and husband Richard of Alpharetta, Georgia, ten grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

Services will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 4519 Providence Rd. 28226.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Janet Ernst

    My sincere sympathy to Carolyn and the Darnell family. Frosty was a true Southern gentleman. I was blessed to take Frosty and Carolyn home communion and always had a wonderful visit. May God's peace surround you all at this time.

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  • Marilyn Lewis

    Dear Carolyn,
    You and Frosty were always so kind to me at the Waltonwood lunches that we shared, and I was saddened to hear of his death. I always thought that you both were the epitome of a loving, dedicated couple and I admired you very much.
    Please accept my sincere condolences.

    Fondly,
    Marilyn Lewis

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  • Rush Otey

    David and Kim, Stuart and Kristin--I am thankful to have been acquainted with a person of Frosty's character and verve and competence. As the obituary states, his love for Carolyn (both tender and strong) and for you and your children was steady and encouraging. Be assured of my continuing prayers for you all, in Christ's promises. Ephesians 3:14-21--Rush Otey

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  • Pat Douthit

    It is with sadness to learn the passing of Frosty Darnell. I would like the family to know that they are certainly in my thoughts and prayers . I Had the privilege of being a friend and neighbor of Frosty and Carolyn both of whom I loved very much they were wonderful people and to the children I want you to know that you are certainly in my thoughts during this time.

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