EDENTON, N.C.—Willie Lee Darden, 82, of Edenton, and formerly of Suffolk, passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2014, in Vidant Medical Center, Greenville.

Willie was born in Suffolk, formerly Nansemond County, on Oct. 7, 1931, and was the son of the late Eulice Williford and George Thomas Darden. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Ella Mae Woolard.

A graduate of Holland High School, he was a veteran of the Navy having served during the Korean War.

Willie attended Richmond Barber School and Davis Beauty Academy, and was the owner and operator of Bill’s Barber Shop in Franklin, where he had worked for 39 years and had retired from barbering after 45 years.

Leaving to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 57 years, Wanda Smith Darden; children, Robin Koger (Robert) of Arizona, Ronnie Darden and Shari Underwood (Larry), both of Suffolk; two grandsons, Robert Brian Koger of Edenton and Aaron Darden of Suffolk; two sisters, Barbara Lowe of Suffolk and Bernice Worrell of Franklin; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Private services will take place with Miller Funeral Home and Crematory, 735 Virginia Rd., Edenton, N.C., assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Joy Group of Rocky Hock Baptist Church, 113 Rocky Hock Church Rd., Edenton, NC 27932.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.