Thomas Lewis Darden Sr. “Tommy” passed away unexpectedly at his home on September 5, 2022. He was born in Isle of Wight County to L. Seward Darden and Vivian L. Darden. He was a life-long resident of Isle of Wight County and graduated from Smithfield High School where he lettered in all three sports.

In 1967, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda Little Darden, who passed away in 1983. He later married Delores “Dee Dee” Clements Darden in 1985. He is survived by his three children: Ellen Darden Couch (Craig), Thomas Lewis Darden Jr. (Elizabeth) and Carrie Darden Turner (David); grandchildren: Hannah Marie Couch, Thomas Lewis Darden III “Chip”, Linda Elizabeth Darden “Lilly”, Hailey Grace Couch, Paul Chase Darden “Chase”, Natalie Mae Turner, and Mason Darden Christopher Turner; sister: Caroline Darden Hurt (Bob) and his brother: Robert Seward Darden (Vicki).

Tommy farmed in Isle of Wight County for the past 53 years. He was the owner and operator of Darden’s Country Store and he was known across the country for his ham curing skills. Tommy was a kind person, who never met a stranger. He was a gentle soul, who loved talking to people in the store. He would talk to anyone and had such a way of listening to others. He knew so many people and always made a lasting impression on them. Everyone loved Tommy!

Tommy was active in several organizations. He served on the Board of Directors at Isle of Wight Academy, he was past Chairman of the County Committee for the Farm Service Agency, he was a charter member and past president of Darden’s Store Hunt Club, and he was a member and past president of the Virginia Peanut Grower’s Association.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 8, 2022 from 6:00-8:00pm at Little’s Funeral Home 1515 S. Church St., Smithfield. A funeral will be held at 11:00am on Friday, September 9, 2022 at Little’s Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert Cofield officiating with the graveside service following at Woodland United Methodist Church Cemetery in Windsor. Memorial contributions can be made to: Save Beale Park c/o: or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.