Darryl Lovell

Darryl Leo Lovell, age 58 of Tuscaloosa, passed away January 28 2021 at DCH Regional Medical Center. Services will be held at 11am February 2nd at Circlewood Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Dr. Herb Thomas will be officiating. Face masks will be required for all in attendance. Burial will follow at Memory Hill Gardens.

Darryl was preceded in death by his mother, Mrs. Gwendolyn Franklin Lovell of Gadsden, and brother Michael Leo Lovell.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Cynthia Ray Lovell, childrenBethany Layne Lovell and Darryl Ryan Lovell, his father Leo Lovell (Betty), sisters Priscilla Puckett (Tommy) of Gadsden,Angela Foster (Daniel) and Pam Boutell(Richard). He is also survived by in laws James and Gail Ray and brother in law Jim (Jennifer) Ray both from Tuscaloosa. In addition he leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and his “bonus daughter” Courtney Harrell.

Darryl was born in Albany, Georgia into a military family. They moved several times, allowing him to see the world as a young man. Finally Darryl’s family landed in Gadsden where he graduated from Emma Samson High School in 1982. He joined the United States Navy, serving as a submariner for 6 years. His military career also included service in the US Naval Reserve, Alabama Army National Guard, and the Alabama Air National Guard. He served his community proudly with both the University of Alabama Police Department and Tuscaloosa Police Department. After the events of September 11, 2001, he found his true calling with active duty service through the 117th Air Refueling Wing in Birmingham, Al. He served there within the Security Forces Squadron and finished his distinguished career as the base hazmat supervisor with the 117th Logistics Readiness Squadron. Darryl served with distinction in several overseas deployments, receiving numerous medals and awards throughout his career. He ended his career as a Master Sergeant having served his country for 40 years.

To know Darryl was a gift. He loved his family immensely and let it be known. He was a true Christian man who never shied away from sharing Christ with other people. He was a staunch defender of conservative Christian values. He never met a stranger, and cared deeply for all people. He served his Church, his community, and his family with dedication. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Pallbearers will be Jim Ray, Hayden Ray, Mason Ray, Tommy Puckett, Joseph Puckett, Adam Puckett, Scott Manderson, Brent Waldrop, Lewis Rager and Tracy Townsend. Honorary pallbearers are the members of the 117th Air Refueling Wing and members of Circlewood Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Darryl’s favorite charity, Operation Christmas Child through Circlewood Baptist Church.