Nancy Lee Darr
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      Nancy Lee Darr

      February 27, 2026

      Nancy Darr passed away on February 27,  2026 after a prolonged battle with a variety of health issues.  The daughter of Mr. Arthur B and Elizabeth F.  (Stone) Sheets, Nancy was born on August 3, 1946 in Rock Island, IL.

      A graduate of Rock Island High School (where she was inducted into their Alumni Hall of Fame), she embarked on a successful career in Government service, beginning in 1965 in an entry level position at the Rock Island Arsenal.  Over the next 32 years, she served in a variety of capacities involving tenures in Omaha, NE; Hampton, VA; Washington, DC; Martinsburg, WV; Providence, RI; New Orleans, LA, a return to Washington, DC and Chicago, IL.  She was highly regarded as an expert in the field of Government Contracting and Procurement processes.

      After earning her Bachelors Degree from Western Illinois University in 1990, Nancy spent the ensuing six years in a variety of senior management capacities in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Commerce and the President’s National Performance Review.  Her career culminated in being recognized with the U.S. Government’s prestigious Federal Executive of the Year Award in 1996.

      After a final assignment as the Director of the Dept. of Veterans Affairs’ National Acquisition Center, she retired from the Federal Government’s Senior Executive Service.  She later embarked on a second successful career as an executive in the private healthcare industry, later operating her own consulting business.

      Having a lifelong love of the beach, sailing and the sea, Nancy moved to Nags Head, NC in 2001, where she retired and spent her final years.  Those who knew her were familiar with her tireless work ethic, commitment to integrity, high moral standards and generosity.  In addition to these values, she espoused to her sons the importance and duty of serving their country.

      She is pre-deceased by her parents, both originally of Rock Island, IL (and both later passing in Nags Head).  She is survived by her sister Cari Sheets, of Macomb IL; son Charles “Bud” Darr and his wife Stacey; son Thomas Darr, his wife Tracy and their son Trevor, who was her beloved grandson; as well as her dear friends of the family especially, Novile Huber.

      She will be dearly missed by those whose lives she touched.  Her life will be celebrated in a small private family gathering at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, her wishes were instead that contributions be made to the Outer Banks Community Foundation or the Dare County Association of Fire Officers. Please share a message of comfort with the Darr family at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.

        OUR HISTORY

        The Nags Head Chapel and Company Headquarters

        Nags Head Chapel

        Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was founded in Nags Head, NC in 2006 by licensed North Carolina Funeral Director Courtney N. Gallop. This independent, minority and woman-owned start-up funeral home challenged the existing monopoly firm which had sole control of all funeral care, goods, and services provided in Manteo, the Outer Banks, and Currituck County for nearly 100 years.

        Finally - someone brought competition into the local funeral industry. As a direct result of Gallop Funeral Services, Inc., local families now have choices, options, alternatives, fairer pricing, flexibility, and a higher level of service in funeral care for their loved ones.

        The Barco Memorial Chapel - Currituck

        Barco Chapel

        In 2016, Gallop Memorial Chapel was opened in Barco, NC. The spacious, newly remodeled facility is the first and only funeral service-related business ever to locate in Currituck County. The Barco Gallop Memorial Chapel is conveniently located near the Outer Banks, Moyock and Elizabeth City. The elegant yet relaxing chapel interior is welcoming and comfortable for viewings, family gatherings, funerals, and memorial services. Our Barco chapel is perfectly equipped to serve all faiths and families in the county.

        Courtney Gallop and the staff at Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. are committed to excellence. We continue to improve, grow, invest, and learn in order to provide the highest level of service for all families entrusted to our care.

        Capital Crematory

        Capital Crematory

        In 2011, we built and established Capital Crematory, the first and only crematory ever in Dare County. The crematory supports Gallop Funeral Services and also provides professional cremation services for other funeral homes in the Albemarle area. Having our own local crematory means your loved one's cremation will be handled personally by owners of the funeral home, 100% locally, quickly, and at the best pricing.

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