Darryl A Givens' Obituary
Darryl Anthony Givens, affectionately known as “Quasar”, passed peacefully at home on the evening of September 3, at the age of 73. Born on November 27, 1950 in Woodbridge, Virginia to Frizelle and Alvera Givens, Darryl lived a full and meaningful life, marked by service to his country and unwavering devotion to his family. Upon graduation from Woodbridge Senior High School, Darryl went on to attend and graduate from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (“Virginia Tech”), where he was a founding member of the Theta Iota chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Sociology and went on to marry his college sweetheart Karen (Holloway) Givens.
Major Givens served in the United States Air Force, where he held a multitude of positions, allowing him to help people and see new places while taking his family along for the ride. After over 20 years of service, ending at MacDill Air Force Base, Darryl retired from active duty and he and his family settled in to Tampa, Florida to begin his new chapter of civilian life. This new chapter included obtaining his master’s degree and beginning a second career in the Hillsborough County Public Schools System. During his 28-year tenure, Darryl positively impacted the lives of many students through his work in Special Education and eventually Administration as Assistant Principal at Memorial Middle School, Hillsborough High School and lastly, Plant High School where he retired in 2022.
Though Darryl accomplished so much through his rewarding careers, he would tell you his greatest accomplishment was as a loving husband, father, “PopPop” and friend. He enjoyed quiet afternoons with his wife fishing at the pier before searching town for the best chili dog or barbeque spot, practicing his saxophone, singing old songs together while reminiscing about old times and going on spontaneous car rides ending with a Dairy Queen banana split. He was a motorcycle lover, spending hours riding on the weekends with friends and every year looked forward to the start of basketball season where he spent over 30 years refereeing games throughout the community and local schools. He was a corned beef hash connoisseur, often enjoying breakfast at Fred’s with his sons-in-law. He happily sat through many dance shows, cheer competitions, track meets and choir concerts for his daughters, eventually followed by some of his proudest moments getting to walk his daughters down the aisle and be present for the births of his four granddaughters. He took pride in his “Givens Girls”, always willing to drop everything to provide anything needed. His granddaughters looked up to him as well and leaned on his words of wisdom, always reminding them “you got this” and to “show up and show out.” Darryl was a light. His infectious positivity was motivating, inspiring, and always there to encourage those around him to “keep the faith.”
Darryl is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Karen Givens; daughters Nekesha “Skeet” Mckinnie and husband Shaune; Ashleigh “Peabo” Joseph and husband Walter; granddaughters Amaia “Boot” Mckinnie, Eleanor “Doody” Joseph, Ava “Ray Ray” Mckinnie and Eloise “Weezy” Joseph, all of Land O Lakes, Florida. He is also survived by his siblings Marsha, Debi and Kevin Givens of Woodbridge, Virginia and was preceded in death by his parents Frizelle and Alvera Givens and brother Syris Givens. Additionally, he leaves behind many adoring friends and loved ones.
The family will receive family and friends on Friday, September 13th from 6-8pm at Trinity Memorial Gardens in Trinity, Florida. A Celebration of Life will begin Saturday, September 14th at 11am in the Chapel of Trinity Memorial Gardens with interment immediately following in their Garden of Honor.
Though Darryl will be sorely missed here on earth, we find comfort in knowing he is present with the Lord and present in our hearts forever.
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