FAYETTEVILLE — Darrell Ray Gabbard,

70, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away on January 30, 2023.

Darrell was born in January 1953 to Sherman and Helen Gabbard in Fayetteville, Arkansas. After Darrell graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1971, he studied at the University of Arkansas for two years.

In 1972, Darrell met Brenda Sue at the University of Arkansas in his sophomore year and married her one year later, on July 23, 1973. Darrell and Brenda Sue went on to have two sons, Jeremy Ray, and Jason Scott Gabbard.

Darrell began his first job at a local restaurant, kickstarting a retail and restaurant management career that spanned more than 40 years. He retired from Sam’s Club after starting as an original team member and working for many years as a general club manager.

In 2014, Darrell officially retired and spent his time volunteering to help others. In 2018, he was certified with the Pet Partners organization, and with the help of his golden retriever, Annie Sue, they served as a therapy team that brought joy and hope to many on their visits to hospitals, hospice facilities, and the Easter seals kids.

Darrell was predeceased by both his parents and his beloved wife, Brenda. He is survived by his brother Bruce (wife Shawn) sons, Jeremy (wife Rachel) and Jason (wife Tamara); eight grandchildren, Jarron, Tyler (husband Derek), Jayden, Kaylia, Haven, Alis, Olivia, and Adalyn; two great-grandchildren, Tyrus and Amaya.

Visitation will be held at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home and Crematory on Sunday, February 5th, from 2–4 p.m. Services will be held on Monday, February 6th, at 1 p.m., at Nelson Berna Funeral Home. Burial will be in Fairview Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Pet Partners of Central Arkansas (https://centralarkansaspetpartners.org) an organization Darrell felt strongly about. To place an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com.