Darrell R. Needham

Darrell R. Needham, of Fairbanks, Alaska, passed away May 9, 2021. He was 70 years old. He is survived by his sister Beverly Garner of Asheboro, NC; his brother Jimmy Needham of Lenoir, NC; his brother Stewart Wittering of Leicester, UK; five children; Michelle Harmon, Anthony Davis, Kim Chi, Heather Farrell, and Darrell William Needham; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents William Norman "Tom" Needham and Myrtis Needham, both of Asheboro, NC, and his brother William Norman Needham, Jr. ("Junior") of Asheboro, NC.
Darrell was a native of Asheboro, NC. He studied electrical engineering at NC State University and moved to Fairbanks, Alaska in 1982 to pursue his love of the outdoors. Darrell was a trained pilot for small-engine aircraft and served as an Alaskan bush pilot for over 20 years. He expressed his love for Alaska and for America by serving in several military and local police organizations including the Alaska Tundra Guard, the Alaska State Defense Force, the National Ski Patrol, the Civil Air Patrol, and the National Guard.
Darrell's enthusiasm for nature led him to become an avid hunter, expert woodsman, fisherman, golfer, skier, and motorcyclist. His activities ranged from air to land to sea. He was a professional skydiver, logging over 100 jumps that included both individual jumps and group formations. His mountain climbing adventures took him to the summit of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming. He was also a trained scuba diver. When on land, you could often find Darrell playing his guitar among friends.
In honor of Darrell's last wishes, no memorial services will be held. Donations to commemorate his life can be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America at alzfdn.org.