Grandmaster Darnell Leak was born in Greenwood, South Carolina, September 19, 1952, to the late David and Mary M. Leak. At the age of 10, Darnell heard God speak to him and declared that he would be his mighty warrior. After four years of practicing punches and kicks and imitating the pictures, he saw in karate magazines he earned a spot in the karate class at the Greenwood YMCA on South Main, when no blacks were allowed to participate.  After intense training, he worked himself to lead instructor by the age of 17. He wanted to further his studies so he joined the United States Marine Corps so that he could travel abroad to study in Okinawa.  After his studies for years in Japan and Los Angeles, California he returned as Gods mighty warrior with black belts in Tae Kwon Do, Kempo, Moo Duk Kwon, Tai Chai (Kung Fu), Judo, Shorin-ryu, Hapkido, Akido and Tang Soo Do.

In 1982, Darnell won the world karate championship held in Atlantic City, NJ. Teaching martial arts for over 55 years, Darnell earned the title of Grandmaster due to his perfection to live and teach others who became masters in karate. Masters of karate across the world knew Grandmaster Leak as a warrior of warriors, a fighter of fighters, and a teacher of teachers. Those that knew him, knew he spoke the words "Super, Great, Wonderful and Awesome"! The way he lived the way he treated others and what he expected from everyone was a super, great, wonderful, and awesome outlook. His karate students were required in his early years to bring their bibles to class as part of their uniform. Later after explaining and teaching the word of God in his karate, his students were then charged to carry the word of God in their hearts.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving devoted wife of the home, Mary R. Leak. Three sons; Akira Robinson (Simpsonville, SC), Stanley Robinson (Charlotte, NC), Shawn Dorn (Greenville, SC); Three daughters, Buffy Leak Ramsey (Mark Lorton, VA); Naketa Chiles (Columbus, GA); Tierre Leak (Virginia Beach, VA); Two sisters, Latesia Leak Ward (Greenwood, SC); Cecilia Leak Leverette (Greenwood, SC). One niece, Itonya Leak Rollinson (Greg, Anderson, SC); One nephew Steven Terrell Leak (Greenwood, SC); Five godchildren, Charo Slappy  (Greenwood, SC); Angela Ryan (Aiken, SC); Keisha Allen(Greenwood, SC) Trakius Christian(Greenwood, SC); Reverend Carlton Klugh(Hodges, SC); Three sisters-in-law; Francis Gaskins (Greenwood, SC); Carolyn Drennon (Greenwood, SC); Margaret Ann Dorn (Greenwood, SC); One Brother-in-law, James Dorn (Greenville, SC); Seventeen grandchildren; Five great grandchildren, along with many other family members to cherish.

Public viewing will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024 from 1-6 P.M. at Parks Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be held at 1 P.M. on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at Old Mount Zion Baptist Church with Apostle Jessie Simmons officiating. Assisting will be Reverend Annette Edwards and Pastor Andrew Deal.  Burial will be in Evening Star Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Robert Williams, Stanley Robinson, Trakius Christian, Shawn Dorn, Reverend Carlton Klugh and Darvelle Moore.

Flower Bearers will be Valerie Shepherd, Andre' Tolbert, Itonya Rollinson, Michelle Boozer, Charo Slappy and Yamill Orenga.

The family is at the home, 628 Pearl Street.

Parks Funeral Home is assisting the Leak Family.