Darrell Wayne Cowgill

Darrell Wayne “The Big Guy” Cowgill, of Eufaula, OK, passed on to be with our Lord Monday, November 23, 2020. Born October 11, 1951 in Little Rock, Arkansas to John Dee and Opal Lorene (Goodwin) Cowgill; he and his family attended West Race Baptist Church. Darrell attended school in Searcy, Arkansas where he was known by his classmates as “DC”. He is remembered as always having an unforgettable smile, caring heart and the most positive attitude for life. Graduating from Searcy High School with the class of 1969, he played multiple sports throughout his school years including basketball (they must have been shorthanded), served as a track manager (while he waited to be called up for the 12 oz curling event) and above all else, he played his beloved sport of football which earned him a scholarship to play football at Arkansas State University (ASU) where he graduated with a BA in Business. Following his graduation from ASU, Darrell returned to Searcy where he began working for the City of Searcy Water Department while pitching in at his father’s grocery store part-time. In September 1975, Darrell made a choice to change careers after which nearly everyone came to know him by…PIZZA! The Big Guy began his run (like lightening) in pizza working for the Ken’s Pizza Corporation in Searcy where he worked his way up the ladder (must have been a strong one) to Assistant General Manager where he supervised five Ken’s locations. Life events created a challenge causing him to take another job working for Land O’ Frost and putting his big dreams on hold while he took care of his father. Darrell eventually started expanding his horizons traveling to Texas and then California working as a restaurant manager and later in a meat packing plant in Redding, CA (which according to Jean Ann was one of his favorite jobs because he could play with meat). Returning to Oklahoma, The Big Guy once again picked up his love for making pies and started back with Ken’s working at a few locations throughout Oklahoma. Eventually, settling in Eufaula, where he met and shacked up with Jean in 1993. After several years of flowers, candy, dates and many other signs of affection, the two lovebirds were married on February 14, 2009 at the North Fork Baptist Church. For those that need help with the math, that is 27 years of pure friendship and absolute love. In 1997, Darrell and Jean opened Buck’s Pizza which caused some folks to call Darrell, Buck. Sometime around 2002, he moved on and started working for the Eufaula Indian Dormitory as their one and only Culinary Specialist where he finally hung up his apron and retired on May 8, 2019. However, the ONE true thing that those close to him knew was that his skills on a smoker were out of this world. Many would say he had the best damned ribs around these parts. Over the last few years, despite some major health setbacks, The Big Guy never worried about himself usually responding with an “O’, I will be fine. I’m just worried about Miss Jean.” He also found tremendous joy in discussing Adin’s soccer games, Asher’s football games and all their school achievements. His positive attitude towards life made all of us better during our journey with him. Until we meet again Big Guy, rest well and may God hold you in the palm of his hand. (P.S. Hope you like your new leg!!) Survivors include: his wife, Jean Cowgill, of the home; son, Justin Walters and wife, Cassie of Charlotte Hall, MD; two grandsons, Asher and Adin; niece Koleen Paschal and husband, Mike; three great nieces; one great-great nephew and three great-great nieces. He is proceeded in death by his parents, John and Opal Cowgill. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Limbs for Life Foundation. See below for details.