It is with great sadness that Gary and Joyce announce that his brother, Darrell Franklin Lipe, departed this life on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Duke Regional Medical Center in Durham, N.C., following a brief decline in health.

Born in Statesville, he was the son of Johnnie Abraham and Lucille Brown Lipe. Darrell spent the first 11 years in Troutman with his parents and brother. He enjoyed his childhood with many adventures, much love and lots of laughter. He has been a resident at Murdoch Developmental Center in Butner since March 13, 1960.

Darrell lived his best life at Murdoch through the support, care, concern and compassion given to him by the staff, employees, and his team of caregivers.

While much time was spent teaching and learning, Darrell experienced lots of enjoyments, such as having a cold Pepsi or Coke, watching westerns on his TV (his favorite show was Texas Ranger), spending Farm Day with his family and friends and seeing and riding the horses, and going to the fair. There are many things to miss about Darrell, but his laughter will be a great memory.

Darrell’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all of the caregivers and special staff at Murdoch, especially at Royall Cottage, for the support, concern, kindness, gentle care and training given to Darrell. We will always be forever grateful for his time at Murdoch. Because of each of you, Darrell lived a blessed and fulfilled life. He was happy, content and completely at home.

We would like to also extend a special thank you to the staff at Duke Regional Medical Center in Durham for their compassion and care.

Left to cherish Darrell’s memory are his brother, Gary, and sister-in-law, Joyce, of Mooresville; his nieces, Pam Howard of Mooresville and Donna Lipe of Troutman; extended family members; and Darrell’s many friends and workers at the Murdoch Developmental Center.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Richard; and many aunts and uncles.

A private service for Darrell will be held at a later date at the Murdoch Developmental Center

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Lipe and his family.