A beloved resident of Cullman, Alabama, Darrell Johns passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy of quiet dedication and deep appreciation for the natural world. For more than two decades, Darrell served as the City Arborist for Cullman, a role he embraced with unwavering commitment and professional pride.
His daily work involved the careful planning, pruning, planting, and preservation of the city’s public trees, ensuring that streets, parks, and neighborhoods remained shaded, beautiful, and healthy for generations. In a community that takes great pride in its green spaces and small-town charm, Darrell’s steady hands and knowledgeable eye helped maintain the urban forest that residents have long cherished as part of Cullman’s identity.
Darrell’s tenure with the City of Cullman began long before many current residents can remember, and over the years he became a familiar and respected figure among city employees and citizens alike. He approached every task with patience and expertise, whether diagnosing tree diseases, responding to storm damage, or selecting species best suited to the local climate and soil.
His decisions were guided by a blend of scientific knowledge and practical experience, always with an eye toward long-term sustainability. The shade trees that now line Cullman’s avenues and grace its public spaces stand as living monuments to his careful stewardship, offering beauty and relief from the Alabama sun to families who walk beneath them every day.
Beyond his professional contributions, Darrell carried a genuine love for the outdoors that extended far beyond his workday. He found joy in the simple pleasures of nature—walking through wooded trails, observing the changing seasons, and appreciating the quiet strength of trees that had stood for decades.
This passion was not just a job requirement but a personal calling, one that shaped the way he lived and the values he passed along to those closest to him. In Cullman, a city nestled amid rolling hills and fertile land, his connection to the environment resonated deeply with a community that values its natural surroundings as much as its history and hospitality.
Darrell was a devoted family man whose greatest pride came from watching his daughters, granddaughters, grandsons, and great-grandchildren grow. He delighted in family gatherings, outdoor activities, and the everyday moments that allowed him to share his knowledge and affection with the next generations.
Whether teaching a grandchild how to identify different leaves or simply sitting on the porch watching the world go by, Darrell brought warmth and presence to every interaction. His gentle demeanor and steady guidance created lasting memories for his loved ones, who will forever associate him with the peace and beauty of the natural world he so carefully tended.
Though Darrell’s professional life centered on the care of public trees, his personal life was defined by the same principles of responsibility, kindness, and appreciation for life’s simple gifts. He lived in a way that reflected balance—honoring his duties to the city while nurturing the relationships that gave his days meaning. Cullman, with its strong sense of community and tradition, felt the quiet weight of his absence as the holiday season of 2025 drew to a close, reminding residents of the profound impact one person can have through consistent, thoughtful service.