DARNELL REGINALD BAYLOR, SR. (AGE 64) OF WASHINGTON, DC

Darnell Reginald Baylor, Sr., known to most as "Shorty," affectionately given to him by his dad due to his small stature, was the third of nine children born to the late Jesse L. and Beatrice D. (Bell) Baylor in Washington, D.C., July 20, 1955.

Darnell's early years were spent in Southwest Washington, D.C., Buzzard Point neighborhood, with his grandmother. Jesse and Beatrice moved their growing family to Kenilworth where he had fond memories of playing in the Lily Pond and swimming in the Anacostia River. The family settled in Seat Pleasant, Maryland where Darnell received his formal education through the Prince George's County public school system.

Shorty was both charming and talented which provided him an abundance of skills and opportunities. He was most proud of using his hands, no stranger to a hard day's work from concrete and paving to roofing, his favorite was home improvements and landscaping. He was truly a jack-of-all-trades, Master Barber, great cook, the best at fishing (in his eyes), interior decorator and a very meticulous housekeeper. He took great pleasure in helping seniors in the community by working around their homes and doing what he could to assist them and mentoring boys by sharing a word of advice to them to avoid perils in life.

His style and fashion sense were precise and dapper to say the least, often saying he was "finer then frog hair." His presence in a room would never be unnoticed and always required admiration for he was a very well put together gentleman.

His love for music kept him hip and young at heart. Music was truly the soundtrack of his life from all genres such as smooth jazz, rhythm and blues, gospel, 70's soul, funk and hip hop. He could often hear just a few bars of a song and could name that tune. He loved to hand dance and show off his moves.

Shorty didn't earn his nickname for being weak, he always looked out and protected the ones he loved. No matter how big or bad someone was, he was always bigger and badder and ready for the challenge. While he enjoyed having a good time with his children and family, Darnell knew the Lord and accepted him as his personal Savior early growing up in the church. He would reference the bible and associate and quote scriptures to make a point and give out life lessons.

On December 14, 2019, Darnell transitioned from his home in Washington D.C. to his heavenly home where God has promised him a mansion with many rooms and where the streets are paved in gold.

He leaves to rejoice in his life and the unconditional love he gave his three children: Kesha Williams (Walter "Dris"), Ebony Baylor and Darnell R. Baylor, Jr. (Tachae) and with an abundance of love in his heart, he embraced Alton Brown and Zachary Hiers, adoring grandchildren; Austin Walker, Devin Williams, Zacarri Walker and Desmond Baylor; his only two sisters, Brenda Butler and Belinda Bradley (Alex), three brothers; Lawrence, Jeremiah, Michael Baylor and a host of family and friends; special confidant with whom he shared his joys and dreams, Patricia Gray.

There will be a 10:00 am Family Gathering, until time of Memorial Service, 11:00 am, Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Royal Oak Pentacostal Church, 7401 Willow Hill Drive, Landover, Maryland 20785.