Ret. SCPO Darryl Keith Baines
Darryl Keith Baines was born June 28th, 1960, in Houston, Texas, the son of the late Gussie Mae Wells and Shellie Baines, Jr.
In 1979, Darryl graduated from Worthing High School in Houston, Texas. He excelled in his studies and on the court as a talented basketball player. After graduating, he served his country in the United States Navy for 26 years. During this time, he planted solid roots in Virginia Beach, VA, where he recommitted his life to Christ at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and was a member of the Men’s Choir. During his time in Virginia Beach he formed lifelong friendships that blossomed into a vast network of extended family. Upon his retirement in 2006 at the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer, Darryl began a second career with Norfolk Southern Railroad. He worked as a yardmaster for 12 years. Additionally, he solidified his belief in furthering education when he completed his Bachelor of Science degree in 2006 from Southern Illinois University. Always making the most out of life, Darryl’s professional careers connected him to a multitude of people, forming lifelong memories.
Darryl had a passion for spending time with his family, fishing, birdwatching, golf, traveling, festivals, beaches, Zumba, good food, comedy shows, live performances, “Life is Good” hats, and even the occasional funny TikTok video. Music was also a constant presence in Darryl’s life and household. His family and friends hold countless memories highlighted by the sounds of Frankie Beverly & Maze, Kem, Con Funk Shun, Babyface and a wide range of Jazz music, to name a few.
When he met Anita and began building a life with her, they made a promise to face everything side by side, to raise their girls in a strong, loving home, and to give them every chance to thrive, and they did just that. Where there was Darryl, there was Anita. In retirement, he cherished the time they spent together, especially traveling. They enjoyed family time, concerts, outdoor festivals, and trips to Spain, Hawaii, St. Thomas, Los Cabos, Alaska, and more. Even in his final days, she was his rock and right there by his side.
Darryl’s relationship with his eldest daughter, Dayna, was one of a kind. From sharing his love of music to teaching her how to drive stick shift, he helped shape her into the woman she is today. In Dayna’s words, her father provided the perfect balance of “spoiling his baby girl” while also teaching the importance of independence. For Dayna, Darryl embodied the patience, calm, and kindness that every daughter needs from her dad. He led with a quiet strength and represented the epitome of what it meant to be a husband and father. As an adult, Dayna strives to emulate some of her dad’s qualities that she admires most- chasing her dreams without fear, living life to the fullest, having a forgiving spirit and not sweating the small stuff.
His bond with Alexis was that of a typical “daddy’s baby girl.” Early memories include their “Daddy and Alexis days,” with trips to McDonald’s, movies, and being roller coaster buddies. They bonded over their naturally quiet nature and shared love for the arts. It was a quiet, simple kind of love. On one of the last trips he took to New York to visit her, he said all he wanted to do was simply hang out with her and maybe see a movie. That was who they were at their core. They just understood each other.
Darryl also cherished spending time with his grandsons, Ellis and Asher, who lovingly referred to him as E-Paw. He was one of their favorite people on the planet. The bond they shared was special and a blessing to witness. With his son-in-law, R.J., Darryl enjoyed many of the simple things in life watching various TV series, going to Ellis and Asher’s soccer matches, laughing and telling stories about life. Among many things, Darryl taught R.J. that while working hard is a requirement for any husband and father, the family you are working hard to provide for always comes first. The impact that he had on R.J.’s life cannot be overstated.
At his core, Darryl was happiest when he was with both his immediate and extended families.
Darryl went home to be with the Lord at the age of 65 on April 5, 2026, in Midlothian, VA. He transitioned peacefully with his devoted wife of 40 years and treasured daughters by his side.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Martin, and his first nephew, Roderick “Rock” Baines.
To cherish his memory, Darryl is survived by his wife, Anita; two daughters, Dayna (R.J.) and Alexis; bonus daughters, Malia (Matthew) and Teresa; two grandchildren, Ellis and Asher; siblings, Ronald (Jodie), Gwendolyn, Bernard (Tania), and Reginald (Carolyn); sister-in-love Ivy Nell Baines, along with a host of friends, cousins and nieces and nephews that loved their favorite Uncle Darryl dearly.
We encourage all who knew and loved Darryl to continue his legacy of living a full life of gratitude, laughter, love, relaxation, family and to always put God first in everything you do.
Celebration of Life service for Mr. Darryl Keith Baines will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church Of God In Christ 233 Halifax St. Petersburg, Virginia. Bishop Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., Pastor, Officiant and Dr. Lloyd Bell, Assoicate Minister, Eulogist, Church of Jesus, Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW), Hampton, VA.
The family is asking relatives and friends to assemble at 12:45 p,m. at the church on the day of the service.
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed, allowing family and friends near and far to come together in prayer, reflection and remembrance. Please click here at time of service to join in the live stream.
Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of J. L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment 25824 Greensville Avenue Petersburg Virginia 23803 North Dinwiddie County, (804) 732-5959 and (804)834-3330. Bishop Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr. and Mr. Ricky E. Montgomery, Funeral Directors, Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com. “Our Family Servicing Your Family”