Obituary of Fred G. Darby

Fred Gilbert Darby, 80, passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024, surrounded by family. Fred was born on November 17, 1943, to the late Carroll Ladson Darby and Catherine Fellers Darby. He was predeceased by his high-school sweetheart and loving wife of 44 years, Donna Leopard Darby. Together, they grew a family rooted in a foundation of love, support and laughter.

The family will receive visitors at the Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church fellowship hall on Thursday, February 22, at 2:00 p.m. The service will be held graveside in the church cemetery at 3:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. John Culp and Rev. Morgan Byars. Fred was a long-time member of Mt. Hebron and wished for memorials to be made to the Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 3050 Leaphart Rd., West Columbia, SC, 29169, or a charity of choice.

Fred grew up in West Columbia and attended public schools at Brookland Grammar, Brookland Cayce Jr. High School and graduated from Brookland Cayce High School in 1962. Some of Fred’s fondest memories were of his days as a drummer in the Bearcat marching band. Fred attended Newberry College and graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. While at Newberry, he was part of the music department and played drums in the Newberry College Orchestra, as well as with various groups in and around Newberry, Greenwood and other parts of South Carolina. He was even rumored to have been a point guard on the Newberry basketball team. After graduation, he worked with the U.S. Treasury Department in various capacities for 32 years, mostly as an agent with the Internal Revenue Service. Fred enjoyed a lengthy retirement beginning on January 1, 1999.

Fred and his family spent many happy summers at Edisto Beach as his daughters were growing up. He became a property owner in 1992 and spent much of his retirement time enjoying the “Edislow” lifestyle…so much so that his family coined the phrase “Fredisto” to honor his love of the island and its people. Fred served on the Driftwood Two Association Board and the Architectural Review Board for Wyndham Ocean Ridge Resort on Edisto Island. Fred was also a proud member of the Pineview Ruritan Club.

Fred is survived by his loving sisters Carol Darby Merchant, and husband Bruce, and Meg Darby Muir. Fred created many lasting memories with life-long friends and family, especially dear friend Jane Johnson.

Fred’s proudest achievement was the family he and Donna created through daughters Leigh Darby Sloan and husband Roger, living in Dillon, S.C., and Erin Darby FitzGerald and husband Tim, living in West Columbia, S.C. GrandFreddie was his greatest title and one he enjoyed to the fullest, ensuring his 5 grandchildren enjoyed Rush’s milkshakes, boom sha boom, ID episodes, bubble lights, Lizard’s Thicket breakfasts, rides home and travels afar. He is remembered by his grandchildren Darby Sloan Duncan and husband Brendan, Maggie Sloan Young and husband Robert, Cutler FitzGerald and wife Madison, Caitlin Darby FitzGerald and fiancé Chandler Keith, and Carson Rogers Sloan. Most recently, he was promoted to GreatGrandFreddie with the birth of his first great-grandchild, Rogers Scarborough Young. GrandFreddie’s legacy will be measured by the love he gave, the lessons he taught and the mark he made on our hearts.