Steven Darby

Stephen Alan Darby, 80, of Norwood, passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Trinity Place in Albemarle.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at Edwards Funeral Home in Norwood. Interment will follow at the National Cemetery in Salisbury on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM with military honors.

Stephen was born on May 20, 1945 in Mobile Alabama. He spent most of his younger years and graduated High School in Florida. He then joined the Army and served two years. He then joined the Air National Guard and made many life long friends. He traveled with the Guard and served numerous overseas countries and all across the United States. White serving with the Air National Guard, Steve moved to Norwood NC. He moved into the Boarding House owned by Mrs. Russell from 1972-1973. In 1979 Steve moved into his home on Allenton Street behind Bo and Betty Smith. Steve became an extended member of the family of Bo, Betty, Pam, and Patti Smith. That would be his home for the next 43 Years.

Steve was very proud of his years in service and was one of the most patriotic persons you would ever meet. He wore many t-shirts and caps with American Flags and Air Force logos to keep America strong in all his clothing. He looked forward to riding in the Veterans Parade every year. Steve was an excellent tennis player. He enjoyed playing on the courts in Norwood and Rock Creek Park. Steve liked showing young people how to play. He would volunteer to work with players playing at South Stanly. Steve was seen for years at Whispering Pines Barbeque. He worked there part time and loved being around the crowd during his free time. Steve was known for attending yard sales and flea markets. He must have purchased one of everything made-from small model cars, art work, gadgets and every kind of jewelry.

As illness set in , Steve could no longer live alone and decided to move into Spring Arbor. He spent his last three years there. He loved the staff and his fellow mates that were living there and formed friendships; that's what kept him going. Steve spent his final stages at Trinity Place, where he had only been since January 5, 2026.

Those left to cherish his memory are his extended family: Pam and Mike Lambert of Albemarle; Patti and Larry Smith of Norwood; Betty Ruth Smith of Albemarle; McKenzie Huneycutt and children: Smith, Reece and Aubrey Huneycutt; and Carrie and Blake Bostic and children: Kate and Caroline Bostic.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Spring Arbor, Trinity Place, and Tillery Compassionate Care.