Franklin – Phillip Gardner “Popcorn” Darden, Sr. 64, passed away November 11, 2010 at Sentara Obici Hospital. He was born in Isle of Wight County, a son of the late Elmer and Martha Gardner Darden and was predeceased by six brothers and three sisters. Popcorn was the former assistant chief for the Franklin Fire and Rescue Squad and a former city of Franklin Fire Marshall. He was a retired deputy for the Southampton County Sheriff’s Department, was an Army veteran during the Viet Nam era and reared as a Baptist. Popcorn was a member of the American Legion Post 73, a member of the Virginia Sheriff’s Association, a member of the Suffolk Moose Lodge, and a former president of the Franklin Moose Lodge. A big sports enthusiast, Popcorn was an avid golfer and bowler. He was a member of Beechwood Golf & Country Club, enjoyed the Redskins, Friday night hunt club dinners, and pulled for Phil Mickelson and Dale, Jr.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Peggy Baggett Darden; one son, Phillip G. Darden, Jr. and wife, Heather, of Sedley; two grandchildren, Ayden and Emerson Darden; four sisters, Nell Kauss, Lucille Blanchard, Lois Turner , and Vicky Leake; two brothers, Cliff and James ”Bro” Darden; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be held at 11 am Saturday, November 13, 2010 at Wright Funeral Home with the Rev. Jim Foreman and Rev. James Baggett officiating. Interment will follow at Southampton Memorial Park. The family will receive friends today from 7 to 8:30 pm at the funeral home and suggests memorials be made to American Cancer Society, c/o Kathy Worrell, 717 Fairview Drive, Franklin, Va. 23851, or Franklin Fire and Rescue, P. O. Box 179, Franklin, Va. 23851. www.wrightfuneralhome.org