Daryl J. Rock

On January 19, 2024, God called Daryl J Rock home. Born on Center Street on February 10, 1944 to Arleen (nee Cobb) and Albert Rock, Daryl lived most of his life in Millington. Daryl’s mother and father raised him as a man of faith in the Millington United Methodist Church. His maternal grandfather, Albert H. Cobb, was a longtime businessman in Millington. Most of Daryl’s family, including his dad, who was a butcher, mom, and sister (Ruth Ann Houser-Rock), at one time or another, worked for Grandpa Cobb, who was a big influence in Daryl’s life. 

On Center Street as a boy, Daryl loved playing games with his friends and cousins. He was an expert at walking on stilts and performing magic shows. Many of his friend and neighbors came to watch his shows at the Center Street home. 

As a teenager, Daryl’s parents bought him equipment for a darkroom, which was set up in the house. Quickly becoming enamored with photography, Daryl took advantage Millington High Schools darkroom, producing many pictures for yearbooks and other publications. 

After high school, Daryl volunteered for the National Guard. After basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Daryl was stationed in Grayling, MI. He served bravely in the Detroit Race Riots.  Daryl worked for a time at Tithoff’s Clothing Store in Vassar, specializing in men’s suits and clothing. He loved to sing and spent time as a member of a barbershop quartet.

In 1962, Daryl met Linda Rock (nee Jewell) at a church event. Their love was immediate and lasted for his entire life. He adored Linda, lighting up every time she walked into a room. Their love is an enduring example to their children, Tamara Walter-Reynolds (nee Rock) of Frankenmuth, and Rodney Daryl Rock (Jennifer) of Zionsville, IN. 

Even as he worked at Fisher Body and Buick City in Flint, Daryl and Linda operated a photography studio, Hallmark Card Shop, and other businesses in Millington and Vassar. Daryl specialized in senior pictures, family photos, and weddings. He took wedding photos for hundreds of couples at churches all over the Thumb of Michigan.

Daryl received awards from the Professional Photographer’s Association of America, was Millington’s Most Honored Citizen in 2006, and the Paul Harris Award from the Millington Rotary Club in 2007. Daryl was also active with the Millington Village Council and the Chamber of Commerce. 

Daryl always put family first and left a long legacy as a father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and brother. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife Linda Rock (Jewell) of East Tawas, Tammy (Rock) Walter-Reynolds (Tim), and Rodney Rock (Jennifer Holcomb). Madison Struble (Sam), Mackenzie Walter, and Madeline Walter; Haley Rock (Christopher Davenport), Chelsey Walsh (Josh); Kirsten Reynolds; and Parker and Hadley Holcomb. 

Daryl enjoyed many happy days with his sister Ruth Ann (decd.) and Duane (decd.), and their children, Daniel, Diane, and Alan. Daryl also treasured members of the Jewell family, including Ethlyn and Clinton Jewell (decd.), Marvin (decd.), Joyce (Victor, decd.) Bickel, Kay (Bruce) Hemingway, Greta (Jim) Opperman, Edwin (decd.), and many nieces and nephews.  

The Family will welcome family and friends at Hanlin Funeral Home in Millington on Tuesday, January  23 from 3:00 to 7:00. The funeral will take place at Hanlin Funeral Home at 11:00 on Wednesday, January 24. The burial will take place at the Millington Township Cemetery. Family and Friends are invited to a luncheon at the Millington United Methodist Church after the graveside service. 

In lieu of Flowers, please consider donating to the Millington Historical Society or and Millington Township Library.

The family wishes to thank everyone who contributed to Daryl’s life, in large and small ways, from his birth to his death. 

Kindly share a memory with Daryl's family in the guestbook below.

Daryl and his family are in the care of Hanlin Funeral Home - Millington. 4823 W. Main St, Millington, MI 48746. Phone (989) 871-4591.

Hanlin Funeral Homes - Serving Since 1928

Millington & Vassar