John Frank Darden, Jr.

April 1, 2026

Frank Darden, Jr., 74, of Denver, North Carolina, passed away on April 1, 2026, at Stanley Total Living Center after a long illness. He is now dancing in Heaven.

Frank was born on November 24, 1951, in Fayetteville to John Frank Darden Sr. and Magdalene Frazier Darden. He graduated from Fayetteville High School and later attended University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he met his wife.

Frank is survived by Sharyn, his loving wife of 50 years; his sister, Lynn Glass (Joe) of Oak Island; niece Kelly Alderman (Eric) and their children, Finley and Bayler, of Bolivia; brother-in-law Charles Allen (Janet) of Charlotte; niece Jordan Shea (Mike) and their children, Michael and Caroline, of Charlotte; and nephew Chase Allen (Mandy) and their children, Turner and Harding, also of Charlotte.

Frank retired from Genuine Parts Company and went on to live his dream-playing tennis and golf, fishing, boating, working in the yard, spending time with his Lambda Chi brothers, listening to beach music, and shag dancing with friends. He loved being the center of attention and was often the life of the party.

A faithful member of Unity Presbyterian Church, Frank served his church in many ways: as a member of the Christian Life Team, an Elder, part of the construction team, teacher of the men's Bible study, and member of the Unity Men's Breakfast crew. He also volunteered for many years with East Lincoln Christian Ministry delivering meals. He truly enjoyed helping others any way he could.

A service to celebrate Frank's life will be held on April 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Unity Presbyterian Church, 8210 Unity Church Road, Denver, NC 28037, with Reverend David Bonnema officiating. A visitation will follow the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Unity Presbyterian Church, 8210 Unity Church Road, Denver, NC 28037; Stanley Total Living Center, 514 Old Mount Holly Road, Stanley, NC 28164; or VIA Health Partners, 900 Donita Drive, Lincolnton, NC 28092.

The family would like to express heartfelt appreciation to Chaplain Henry Haynes for his prayers and frequent visits, and to Frank's former caregiver, Heather Griff, for her devoted care. They are also deeply grateful to the many kind and compassionate nurses and CNAs at Stanley Total Living Center, as well as the staff of VIA Health Partners, for their unwavering support.

Frank fought a courageous battle with Frontotemporal Dementia. He now has no more pain, no more suffering, and has been made whole again. He will be missed deeply and forever held in the hearts of those who loved him. His memory will continue to live on through the stories shared of the remarkable man he was-and always will be.

Rest in peace, my love.

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

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Comments

  • Leon Rooks

    I am saddened to learn of the passing of Frank.
    Like Frank, I am a retiree of Genuine Parts Co. We worked together many times on sales programs, store moves, and store moves. We had a great team in Charlotte and Frank was welled liked. I always enjoyed working with Frank, he was a great friend.
    My condolences to the Darden Family during this difficult time. My prayers go to the family.

    Leon Rooks

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  • Chuck Allen

    Frank may now rest in peace, and we will truly miss him. He had great care with his battle with Dementia and now in the Lord's hands. Many great times together as your Lambda Chi Brother and Brother-in-law Chuck

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  • Steve Gordon

    I met Frank through work at Genuine Parts Company . We worked alot together on store upgrade inventory for the new Import lines years ago. I consider him a fine gentleman and a Christian Brother. My prayers go out to all his family. He will be missed. I will see you again one day in heaven Brother.

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  • John Presson

    I read this morning with a heavy heart about the passing of Frank. I met Frank through a mutual connection, Genuine Parts Company. Major meetings and product showings, Frank was always there. I was the Napa Tracs guy!! Many enjoyable years. My thoughts and prayers are certainly with Frank's family.
    John P

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  • Tom Avery

    I worked with Frank for many years in the NAPA family. Knowledgeable, friendly, and a pleasure to be around. Prayers for his earthly family.

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  • Susie Ferebee West

    Always enjoyed talking with Frank. It made you feel better just being around him. Sharon & Frank had a very loving marriage which is a gift! Peace

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  • Danny Bullman

    May GOD bless you and keep you close in this time of loss.

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  • Bill and Wanda Cavin

    I was surly a joy to have known you. We got to know you in the Shag world where we shared many good time. We also had a couple of rounds of golf together at Cowans Ford. You will be missed by many. Prayers to your family and friends.

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  • Karon Craven

    Frank was a friend for 40 years. Boating, shag dancing, beach trips, birthday & holiday celebrations. He was fun. A prankster! The one who would helped me with things I couldn't do after my husband passed. He will be missed. My heart goes out to Sharyn & family.

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  • Joanne and Eric Rodriguez

    Family and friends have lost a loved one and Heaven has gained an Angel.. a beautiful soul!
    Frank, you will be missed and we will never forget your smile and how much fun we had the few times we got to share with you, dancing at the beach!

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