Eugene E. “Buddy” Darnell

BARNWELL - Funeral services for Eugene E. “Buddy” Darnell, 87, of Barnwell, will be held at 2 o’clock p.m., Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Friendship Baptist Church with the Reverends Jim Parnell and John Nixon officiating; burial will follow at the Barnwell Memory Gardens on Reynolds Road with the Reverend Jeffrey Ray officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday at Folk Funeral Home, Williston.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Friendship Baptist Church, 5801 Friendship Rd., Barnwell, S.C. 29812 or to a charity of one’s choice.

Buddy passed away at home on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

Born in Bamberg County, South Carolina, he was a son of the late Joseph Nathaniel and Annie Eliza Darnell. He attended Bamberg County public schools, graduating from Denmark High School in 1954 and was a 1983 graduate of the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy. He was a faithful member of Friendship Baptist Church where he served as music director for over 50 years. He began his work career at Ameritron which later became Milliken, he was a weights and measures technician for the State of South Carolina, and was office manager for Vickery Oil Company. He was a founding member of the Barnwell Rescue Squad and served as captain for several years. He was appointed Municipal Court Judge for the City of Barnwell and retired as the Police Chief for the City of Barnwell after working for 22 years. He also served in the S.C. Army National Guard. After his retirement, he enjoyed working in his yard, especially mowing his grass, and tinkering in his shop.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jeaneece Darnell; daughters, Cindy Darnell of Barnwell, S.C., Jodi (Doug) Croft of Barnwell, S.C., and Jana (Doug) Schroeder of Aiken, S.C.; grandchildren, Lauren Sims, Megan (Richie) Peterson, Chad (April) Croft, Jeremy (Ellie) Fail, and Bailey Darnell; great-grandchildren, Madison Sims, Lizzie Elkins, Ava, Lawton and Morgan Croft, and Russell Peterson; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.

He was predeceased by his parents; his identical twin brother, John Edward “Ed” Darnell; brother, Hardy “Buck” Darnell; and sisters, Hazel Sharpe, Helen Ayer, Annie Lou Walters, Modelle Gibson and Betty Jo Camp.

Honored to serve as pallbearers will be Chad Croft, Jeremy Fail, Greg Creech, Ken Creech, Tommy Darnell and Stephen Darnell. Honorary pallbearers will be Jonathan Darnell, William Darnell, Russell Peterson, current and former Barnwell City Police Department Officers, and all Law Enforcement Officers.

Folk Funeral Home, Inc. and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Visit the online registry at www.folkfuneralhome.com.