Roland D. Darden, Jr.
Roland D. Darden, Jr., 36, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on Monday, August 4, 2025, at a local health care facility.
He was born on April 3, 1989, in Chattanooga, to Roland D. Darden, Sr. and Juanita Darden.
A 2007 graduate of Brainerd High School, Roland furthered his education at Job Corps in Bristol, Tn., completing the program in 2011. While there, he also served as a volunteer firefighter. Skilled and hardworking, he was a certified and licensed brick mason, and took great pride in his culinary talents. Over the years, he enjoyed his work as a chef at Boyd Buchanan School and Morning Pointe of Chattanooga.
Roland’s love for life was evident in everything he did. He was baptized at New Hope Baptist Church and lived with a generous spirit, always ready to share a meal, a laugh, or his time with others. His greens were a family favorite — “FYE,” as he would say. Roland followed the University of Tennessee Volunteers passionately, enjoyed playing video games, listening to all genres of music, shopping for clothes, and building an impressive sneaker collection. Family and friends will also remember his growing love of travel and his magnetic, easy going personality.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Aaron Darden, Robert E. Montgomery, Sr., and Willie Mae Ferguson.
Roland leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Kara Darden; sons, Markell Darden and Kingston Darden; father, Roland Darden, Sr.; mother, Juanita Darden; brother, Micah Darden; grandmother, Gussie Montgomery; bonus son, Jay Preston; bonus daughters, Mia Preston, Shay Blevins, and Zoey Cox; and nephew, Roman Darden. He will also be deeply missed by a host of extended family members and friends.
The family will receive friends for a public viewing on Friday, Aug. 15, beginning at 9 a.m. at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga. Funeral services will follow at noon, with interment at Lakewood Memory Gardens East.