Daryl Owen Trackwell, age 70, of Brunswick, GA passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024, while on a hunting trip at his favorite place, the deer camp near Tignall, GA. Born in Omaha, NE, on February 9, 1954, Daryl was the fourth of five children born to Frederick Raymond Trackwell and Mary Magdalene Dickison Trackwell. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Katharine Bell Trackwell, and his two sons Jason and William "Bill" Trackwell.

Daryl completed high school in 1972.  After graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force as a Security Specialist. He served four years and attained the rank of Sargeant. This would turn out to be just the beginning of forty-five total years dedicated service in law enforcement.

Following completion of his enlistment in 1976, Daryl returned to his home town of Brazil, Indiana where, in 1977, he joined the Clay County Sheriff's Department. He served four years as a Deputy Sheriff resigning in November 1981.

In January 1982, Daryl re-enlisted in the Air Force as a Technical Training Instructor/Security Craftsman. He served multiple overseas tours and assignments at many Air Force bases across the United States. Daryl distinguished himself during his career and earned numerous awards and medals, among them, the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal w/3 devices, Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal w/1 device, and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon w/device.  Daryl earned two Associate Degrees from the Community College of the Air Force in 1996-97 "Instructor of Technology Military Science," and "Criminal Justice."   In 1998 he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado Christian University in "Organizational Management with Emphasis in Management of Human Resources." After 20 years of honorable military service Daryl retired having earned the rank of Master Sargeant.

After retirement Daryl took time to experience life at a different pace, going fishing, visiting friends, and doing odd jobs at home. He soon got bored and joined his friend Brian as a vendor selling food on the carnival circuit. He loved the experience and especially sharing the stories from his "CARNEY days." His next adventure came when he befriended the owner of a local family-owned hardware store. Typical Daryl, he convinced the owner his store needed a "Propane Manager." The position was created, Daryl got the job and the title.

The events of 9/11 drew him back to his law enforcement roots. In 2002 Daryl was hired by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, FLETC, Glynco, GA as a Law Enforcement Specialist/Firearms Instructor. He was involved in all aspects of training but the area Daryl found most rewarding was helping students struggling to reach the level of shooting proficiency required to meet their qualification standards. Daryl's student success rate was unparalleled.  One of his trainees said, "He pushed us to believe in ourselves, recognize our strengths and weaknesses and to never quit reaching for our goals. He never gave up on us." As the Instructor Training Officer (ITO) Daryl taught new instructors and many have expressed how, due to his mentorship, they have become successful in their chosen careers. In December 2023, after 21years of service, Daryl retired from the FLETC.

Whether it was teaching how to fix a broken toy, change a tire, shoot a gun, or run a class, Daryl's love of teaching filled his life. Daryl always said his greatest reward was the success of others whether they were instructors, students, family, or friends.

Daryl enjoyed restoring his beloved 57 Chevy Bel Air, learning to pilot small planes, personal and professional scuba diving, horse-back riding in Wyoming, fishing (especially in Leeville, LA), and "hanging out" with neighbors and friends in his "Man Cave." However, Daryl was never happier than when he was deer hunting at the camp near Tignall.  He loved the solitude of being in the blind waiting for just the perfect shot, listening to the sounds of the woods, and watching the sun set over "his ridge." He especially enjoyed the time he spent with his dear friends Darwin and Drew Huggins. Many a night they sat around the campfire sharing a meal, talking about the days hunt, telling tall tales, and enjoying a drink (or two).

He will be deeply missed by his granddaughter Emma Schmit "Papa's Girl," nieces and nephews James "Jim" Trackwell, Brandy (Matthias) Ledgerwood, Amber (Jason) Overbey, Jennifer (John) Thayer, Tesa Bell, Shane (Tara) Bell, Lindsey (Wes) Keller, Brittany (Joe) Giametta, Heather Steele, Joshua (Aurora) Wilson, Justin Wilson, Brandie (Mike) Timler, Donya Metz, Nathaniel (Jodi) Bell, dearest friend/daughter Audrey Stringer, and his much loved dog Ruby; numerous cousins, great-nieces and nephews, and friends far too many to list. He is preceded in death by his parents (aforementioned), sister Emma Jane Trackwell, brothers Frederick Raymond Jr., Walter Leroy "Lee", and Marvin Douglas; nephews Timothy "Tim" Trackwell and Bryan Bell, brothers-in-law John W. Bell, David O. Bell, and Jerry D. Bell.

Daryl was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW, the American Legion, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, FOE, and a past member of the Fraternal Order of Police, FOP.

The true legacy of a life well lived is not measured by the possessions or wealth one leaves behind after death, but by the memories and love in the hearts of the people they touched in their time on earth. The legacy Daryl left behind is enormous. He honestly loved people, never knew a stranger, and truly cared about everyone he met. Daryl was described as "a collector of misfits and stray people." He cared boundlessly and took great interest in knowing each person beyond their outer shell. If you entered his orbit, and he got to know you, you were on his mind and in his heart forever.

A private family burial will take place in his home town of Brazil, IN. A Celebration of Life is being planned and will be held here in Brunswick early next year.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions, or volunteer time, to Castaways Pet Rescue 11659 Ga Hwy 99, Darien, GA 31305; Golden Isles Veterans Village PO Box 1884, Brunswick, GA 31521; or a charity of your choice.