William David Darnell, III, age 60, passed away May 23, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. He was born on July 1, 1964, in San Antonio, Texas, to his loving parents William David Darnell, Jr. and Patricia Ann (Phares) Darnell.
David spent his childhood in San Antonio, Japan, Louisiana, San Francisco, and Dallas. He graduated from the Arts Magnet High School in Dallas. He earned his BFA from the University of North Texas and his Master of Arts in Art Education from Boston University.
He had a deep love of art that he shared with his students during his time at Walden Preparatory School. As an art teacher, he encouraged creativity, self-expression, and a genuine appreciation for visual arts and every genre of music. His passion left a lasting impression on the school community.
David married the love of his life, Bonnie Ferguson, on July 21, 1984. They lived for most of their married life in the country outside McKinney at a place they named Mythical Meadow. The land was filled with art, horses, dogs, cats, and a chicken named Goldie. After Bonnie's death, giant dream catchers filled the trees.
David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bonnie, his grandparents, and his angel dog, Spirit, who left this world in December of 2024.
He is survived by his parents William D. Jr. and Patricia Ann Darnell of Plano Texas; his Aunt Karren Baugh; Uncle Jesse Phares; cousins Anne, Sarah, Daniel, Matthew, Adam, Ashley, Mary Claire, Scott and their families; and numerous colleagues and friends who will miss him and continue to tell Darnell stories to keep his spirit alive.
The family will receive friends during a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live-streamed at the following link: celebrationoflife.tv/blog/william-david-darnell-iii . After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location. Following the funeral, a procession will make its way to Ridgeview Memorial Park for a committal service.
After the committal, we will meet back at the funeral home for a luncheon reception, where we will tell our wildest Darnell stories. I can't imagine any of these will top the horse in the house story.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to: Becky's Hope Horse Rescue, 4760 Preston Road #244-313, Frisco, TX 75035.