Riley Darnell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Riley Darnell
36th Secretary of State of Tennesseee
In office 1993–2009
Governor	Ned McWherter Don Sundquist Phil Bredesen
Preceded by	Bryant Millsaps
Succeeded by	Tre Hargett
Majority Leader of the Tennessee Senate
In office 1989–1992
Preceded by	Milton H. Hamilton Jr.
Succeeded by	Carol Rice
Member of the Tennessee Senate from the 22nd district
In office 1981–1993
Preceded by	Halbert Harvill
Member of the Tennessee House of Representatives from the 67th district
In office 1971–1981
Preceded by	Frank J. Runyon
Personal details
Born	Riley Carlisle Darnell (1940-05-13)May 13, 1940 Clarksville, Tennessee, U.S.
Died	October 2, 2020(2020-10-02) (aged 80) Clarksville, Tennessee, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Penny Crockarell
Children	5
Education	Austin Peay State University (BS) Vanderbilt University Law School (JD)
Signature
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Air Force
Years of service	1966-1969

Riley Carlisle Darnell (born May 13, 1940 – died October 2, 2020) was an American politician and lawyer. He served in important roles in the state of Tennessee. He was a member of the Democratic Party.

Riley Darnell worked in the Tennessee House of Representatives and the Tennessee Senate. He was also the Majority Leader in the Tennessee Senate. Later, he became the Tennessee Secretary of State.

Darnell was born in Clarksville, Tennessee. He went to Clarksville High School, Austin Peay State University, and Vanderbilt University Law School.

Early Life and Education

Riley Carlisle Darnell was born on May 13, 1940. His hometown was Clarksville, Tennessee. His parents were Elliot S. Darnell and Mary Anita Whitefield.

Riley finished Clarksville High School in 1958. He then earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Austin Peay State University in 1962. In 1965, he got a law degree, called a Juris Doctor, from Vanderbilt University Law School.

After law school, Riley became a lawyer in Tennessee in 1965. He also served in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1969. Riley married Penny Corckarell, and they had five children together.

Political Career Highlights

Riley Darnell spent many years serving the people of Tennessee. He held several important positions in the state government.

Serving in the Tennessee House of Representatives

In 1970, Riley Darnell decided to run for a seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives. This is where laws are made for the state. He ran for the 67th district. He won the election and was reelected several times: in 1972, 1974, 1976, and 1978.

While in the House, Riley worked on important committees. These included the Judicial committee, which deals with laws and courts. He also served on the Finance and Fiscal Review committees, which look at how the state spends money.

In 1976, Riley supported Jimmy Carter for president. He was a delegate for Carter at the Democratic National Convention.

Serving in the Tennessee Senate

In 1980, Riley Darnell ran for a seat in the Tennessee Senate. The Senate is another part of the state's law-making body. He won the election for the 22nd district. He was reelected in 1984 and 1988. However, he lost his reelection bid in 1992 to Carol Rice.

In the Senate, Riley continued to work on important issues. He was part of the Finance Ways and Means committee, which handles state money. He also chaired the Ethics committee. In 1987, he became the chairman of the Select Committee on Children and Youth. This committee focused on issues important to young people.

From 1989 to 1992, Riley Darnell was the Majority Leader of the Tennessee Senate. This meant he was a key leader for the Democratic Party in the Senate.

In 1986, Riley Darnell tried to become the Speaker of the Senate. This role is like the leader of the Senate. He ran against the person already in that job, John Shelton Wilder. Even though many Democrats supported Riley, Wilder won the election.

Becoming Tennessee Secretary of State

After losing his Senate seat in 1992, Riley Darnell decided to run for Tennessee Secretary of State. This is a very important job in the state. The Secretary of State is in charge of many things. These include keeping official state records, managing elections, and registering businesses.

Darnell won the election and started his new role on January 13, 1993. He was reelected three more times: in 1997, 2001, and 2005. He served as Secretary of State for many years. In 2009, he lost his reelection to Tre Hargett.

Later Life and Passing

Riley Darnell passed away on October 2, 2020. He died from cancer in his hometown of Clarksville, Tennessee. He was buried in Greenwood Cemetery.

Images for kids

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  Riley Darnell

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  Riley Darnell's signature

See also

In Spanish: Riley Darnell para niños