Darrell Wallace Williams

DURHAM Mr. Darrell Wallace Williams, 61, of Durham, died on Saturday, February 14, 2015.
Darrell was a native and lifelong resident of Durham. He was born on June 24, 1953, the son of the late Marvin W. Williams and Virginia T. Williams. He was a graduate of Southern High School, where he was a member of the football team. His love of outdoors and hiking lead him to the Forestry School in Lakeland, Florida where he studied woodland environment. For many years he was employed with the Environmental Protection Agency of RTP. He attended Grove Park Chapel.
He is survived by his son, Shane W. Williams and a sister, Patricia W. Crabtree. He also leaves behind his canine family, “Thelma” and “Louise”.
Darrell’s “claim to fame” occurred at the Louisburg College Folk Festival in the early 1970’s. During the singing competition of the festival, Darrell requested to “whistle” the “Little River Blues” – a song he composed in a little cabin on the river that he frequented. Not an accomplished whistler at the time, he whistled part of his tune and played the harmonica through the rest. That year (1974) a new festival event began with Darrell capturing the first whistling title and repeating in 1975. By 1980 the event had become its own convention separate of the folk festival. Now known as The International Whistling Convention, the event draws thousands of people yearly…many from foreign countries. Although it was many years ago and his first whistle of “Little River Blues” has not been forgotten, as it is mentioned prominently in the group’s history.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Hudson Funeral Chapel. Pastor Dale Brooks will officiate.