John Edward Darlington, Sr.

John E. Darlington, Sr., 71, of Fernandina Beach, FL, passed away on September 3, 2025, surrounded by his family.  John was born at Humphreys Hospital in Fernandina Beach to Richard Franklin and JoAnn McKendree Darlington on Christmas eve in 1953. 

John attended Fernandina Beach High School and graduated in 1971.  One summer afternoon he saw his future bride, Ruth Wylie, driving down Centre Street.  He proceeded to run down the street to find out her name and the rest is history.  They were married on June 2, 1972 at the Fernandina Beach Historic Courthouse with Judge Weatherford officiating.  John and Ruth enjoyed their youth by spending countless hours waterskiing with friends and traveling the United States prior to having their three children.

John owned and ran several businesses in the Fernandina Beach area.  During his free time, he loved fixing up various cars and his beloved Harley Davidson motorcycles that he owned throughout the years. 

He loved spending his time telling stories of his childhood and youth to anyone who would listen.  Many of these stories included his granny, Clem McKendree and other family members.  His stories will forever be cherished by the ones lucky enough to hear them.

John is survived by the love of his life, Ruth Darlington; his children, Casey Darlington Zola (Erik), Carrie Darlington, and John Darlington, Jr. (Amber); his siblings, Richard Darlington, Luanne Smith, and Nancy Arnett; his grandchildren Lucas Taylor Darlington, Caroline Lott, Carstin Russell, Lynnlee Darlington, Avery Moncaleano, and John Darlington, III; and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.

Preceding John in death are his parents, Franklin and JoAnn Darlington; brothers, Frank Andrews and Ira Darlington; and nephew, Richard Darlington.

The funeral has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Blackrock Baptist Church, 96362 Blackrock Road, Yulee, Florida 32034.  A graveside service will immediately follow at Hughes Cemetery, with Chaplin Jackie Hayes officiating the services. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. Tuesday until the time of service at the church.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and thanks for all the support we have received over the last several months.