Albert Darley

Berry Albert Darley, age 94, died peacefully at home on Friday, November 21, 2025. Mr. Darley was born on November 25, 1930, in Uvalda, Georgia. As a young child he and his family moved to Toombs County where he lived the rest of his life. He passed four days prior to his 95th birthday.

Mr. Darley attended Seward School in Uvalda, Marvin Yancey School, Georgia Military Academy, and Toombs Central School where he graduated in 1948. He was active in Future Farmers of America. He received the prestigious American Farmer Degree at the National Convention.

After graduation, Mr. Darley attended Reppert Auction School in Decatur, Indiana. He spent many years auctioneering special events, livestock sales, and he especially enjoyed real estate sales. He worked for four years with the Department of Agriculture. He took classes in dairy farming at the University of Georgia and worked for the Dairy Extension. In 1950, he bought his first farm and started his own dairy.

On May 27, 1950, he married Laverne Youngblood. They were blessed with a son, Al, and daughter, Wanda.

Throughout his career, Mr. Darley continued to expand his farm. He was co-owner of Darley-Jones John Deere Tractor Company in Vidalia. He was a co-owner of Toombs Finance Company in Lyons, and he owned service stations and general stores over the years.

Mr. Darley was honored to receive the Outstanding Young Farmer Award for Toombs County. He was also a recipient of the Soil and Water Conservation Man of the Year for Toombs County. He was a former member of the Toombs County Jaycees, the Vidalia Rotary Club, and former stockholder in Darby Bank. Mr. Darley proudly retired at age 82 from the Georgia Department of Corrections as one of the state's oldest recorded retirees.

Mr. Darley was preceded in death by his parents, Berry Alexander Darley and Pearl Smith Darley. He was also preceded in death by siblings, Otis Darley, Nora Darley Clifton, and Velma Darley Calabrese.

He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Laverne Youngblood Darley, his son, Al Darley and wife Donna Ann, and his daughter, Wanda Darley. He is also survived by his grandsons, Alexander Darley and wife Haile, and Andrew Darley. His great-grandchildren, Abe and Athen Darley,  also survive, as well as several nieces and nephews.

"Pa" lived a long and productive life. He enjoyed farming and watching crops grow and being harvested. He loved horses, cows, and fishing—especially at Lake George, Florida. He always enjoyed a good, long conversation and was extremely proud of his family. He will be missed tremendously.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Tuesday morning, November 25th, 2025, at 11:00 at Marvin Church Cemetery with Pastor Michael Kennedy and Reverend Bill Lee officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to Marvin Church, c/o Sandra Gettis, 4288, GA Hwy 147, Lyons, GA 30436 or Ben Newton, 4355 GA Hwy 147, Lyons, GA 30436

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.

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