Darryl Nelson of Fort Mill, South Carolina, passed away on April 22, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and quiet generosity. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, loyal friend, and steady presence in the lives of all who knew him.

Darryl Nelson was born on October 21, 1962, in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Fred Lee Nelson Sr. and Mary Beulah Hill-Nelson. He was the second oldest of six siblings. In February 1977, the Nelson family moved to Queens Village, New York, where Darryl later met the love of his life, Robyn Delores McKnight. After four years of dating, the couple married on October 11, 1986, beginning a nearly 40-year journey of marriage grounded in love, faith, and an unwavering commitment to family.

Together, Darryl and Robyn built a beautiful life and were blessed with four children: Darryl Jr. ("Pooh"), Brooke, Isaiah, and Joiada. In 2022, their family joyfully expanded with the birth of their first granddaughter, Isla Brielle, who affectionately called him "Pop Pop" and "PaPa." In 2001, the family relocated from New York to South Carolina, and in 2005, they built their beloved home in Fort Mill, where they remained ever since.

Darryl graduated from Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Queens, New York. Throughout his professional life, he worked in legal and medical records, supporting patient care across many of the nation's leading hospital systems. He also spent several years on Long Island, New York, working at one of the largest residential care facilities serving children and youth with developmental disabilities. There, Darryl formed lasting bonds with both staff and residents and was known for preparing large meals that brought people together. His compassion and connection with young people extended beyond the workplace, as he naturally became a mentor and trusted presence to many neighborhood youth.

A strong man of faith, Darryl expressed his spirituality through creativity, including gospel rap music under the developing label UpGram. He was a passionate music enthusiast with an extensive collection of vinyl records,

8-tracks, cassette tapes, and CDs. He was also an avid movie lover and a gifted artist who created an animated character named King Kool. Darryl had a distinctive sense of style and was known for putting together an unforgettable outfit with ease and confidence.

Darryl was also a premier chef whose home was always open to family and friends, especially during his cherished Juneteenth and Thanksgiving celebrations. He found great joy in feeding others and creating spaces where people felt welcomed, loved, and at home.

Darryl was known for his warmth, consistency, and unwavering kindness. Whether through his words, his actions, or simply his presence, he had a rare gift for making others feel seen, valued, and cared for. He valued family above all else and found deep joy in the relationships he nurtured throughout his life.

He also treasured his lifelong connection with his NYC Jam Peak Crew, a brotherhood of close friends who remained dear to him over many years. To those who knew him, Darryl was a source of strength, humor, wisdom, and steady encouragement through every season of life.

Darryl Will be remembered for his resilience, generous spirit, and the sincerity with which he lived his life. His passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who loved him, but his memory will live on through the many lives he touched.

Darryl will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love.

He is survived by his beloved wife, children, granddaughter, siblings, extended family, cherished friends, and loved ones who will continue to honor his memory and carry forward the values he lived each day.