Darrell Lynn Polley, 76, of Tollesboro, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, April 30, at Maysville.
Darrell was born on December 1, 1949, in Tollesboro, a son of the late Hershel and Frances (Calvert) Polley. He was a 1967 graduate of Tollesboro High School, where he was the class president. In 1969, Darrell enlisted in the United States Army, 82nd Airborne Division, where he became a paratrooper and was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Upon release from active duty, he enlisted in the Army National Guard and the US Army Reserve and proudly completed 20 years of honorable service.
Darrell spent the first part of his post-military career working for Merz Brothers Department Stores, first at Kline’s in Maysville, then, over the next 20 years, with his family throughout the Midwest, managing stores. He was an excellent leader and loved being involved in the communities where he lived.
In 1992, Darrell came home to Tollesboro and began the next stage of his career in auto sales. He spent many years working at Eldridge Brothers, Hilltop Ford, Litton Ford, and Larry Fannin Chevrolet.
One of Darrell’s greatest gifts was his voice, which he loved to use to glorify Jesus and serve others. In 2003, Darrell started More than the Music, a group of local singers who routinely performed gospel benefit concerts for local charities. He was so proud of the work he did with these special friends and counted these memories among his most treasured. One of the charities that benefited the most from the organization was Lend a Helping Hand Food Pantry in Tollesboro.
Darrell’s Christian faith was the foundation of his life. He was a longtime member of Grace Baptist Church in Lewisburg. He shared his faith through music at many local churches throughout the area.
Darrell is survived by his wife of 32 years, Diane Applegate Polley, and his four children, Tricia (Kellye) Culberth of Murphy, Texas, Brian (Kathy) Polley of Tollesboro, Mandy (Dave) Brajuha of Lexington, and Jera (Chad) Case of Tollesboro. Darrell was very proud Papaw to 15 grandchildren, MacKenzie (Nathan), Jameson (Damien), Carson (Kimberly), Kaylen, Christian, Luca, Bella, Ellie, John Christopher, Riley, Murphy, Justin (Courtney), Dylan (Emily), and Madison (Ben). Papaw Darrell was often entertained by his 10 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his brother, Anthony (Paula) Polley of Cincinnati; brother-in-law, Sammy (Peggy) Applegate; and three nieces and two nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, John Sherman and Jeanette Applegate; his son, Johnny Barbour; his granddaughter, Alexis Polley; and his sister-in-law, Kathy Applegate.
Services for Darrell Polley will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Tollesboro Christian Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Garden of Memories at Plumville. Pallbearers will be Justin Bellamy, Dylan Bellamy, Ben Dryden, Matthew Polley, Jarrod Polley, and Chad Case. Honorary pallbearers will be Sammy Applegate, Larry J. Applegate, Don Tucker, and Larry Neal Applegate.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Lend a Helping Hand Food Pantry in Tollesboro, to support the community that raised Darrell.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Knox and Brothers Funeral Home. Condolences at knoxbrothersfuneralhome.com.
