Darrell McCartney

Darrell Gene McCartney, age 64, of Whitney, formerly of Gholson, passed away Tuesday morning, October 28, 2025 at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas.

A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 3, 2025 at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Gholson, with Rev. Lynn Leger officiating. The family will receive visitors from 10:00 a.m. until the service time at the church.

Darrell was born on May 5, 1961, in Waco, the son of Jerry McCartney and Connie Vigus. His journey through life was marked by his unwavering spirit, compassion, and a genuine love for those around him. A graduate of West High School in 1979, Darrell participated and thrived in sports, particularly football and golf. It was during this time that he also excelled in dance and figure roller skating. He forged a lifelong bond with his high school sweetheart, Rhonda Reddell, marrying her on November 14, 1981, in Gholson. Together, they cultivated a rich life filled with love and laughter. Darrell was a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Gholson. He dedicated his career to safeguarding others as a Fire Sprinkler Inspector Installer for Centerline Fire Protection in Dallas. Following that, he and his father operated a ranch in Lampasas for many years. An avid outdoorsman, Darrell enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, and camping. He was also passionate about primitive black powder competition shooting, and was a proud member of various associations, including the National Roller Skating Association, Irving Bass Club, Texas Muzzle Loader Association, and National Muzzle Loader Association.

Darrell is preceded in death by his parents; his maternal grandparents, Frank and Jessie Mae Vigus; and his paternal grandparents, Frank and Lucy McCartney.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 43 years, Rhonda McCartney of Whitney; brothers, Jarrell McCartney, and Jimmy McCartney and his partner Ray King; a sister, Terrie Knudsen and husband Martin; step-mother, Mary McCartney; parents-in-law, Elsie and Lee Reddell; sister-in-law, Karen Hix and partner Jeff Matthews; nieces and nephew, Valerie Swanner, Keri Martin, Stephanie Sterling, and Brazos Wortham; and several great nieces, great nephews, one great great niece, many other relatives, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Paw's Place Rescue in Whitney, Gholson Volunteer Fire Department, or Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church.