Buddy (Paul Kenneth) Darden

Buddy Darden (Paul Kenneth), age 69, of Hilton Head Island, SC died Monday, February 10, 2020 in his home after several years battling cancer.

Buddy was born on January 31, 1951 in Miami, Florida, the son of the late Thomas W. and Elsie Virginia Brown Darden. He was raised on Lady’s Island, SC. Following high school, Buddy enlisted in the Marine Corps and served 2 years during the Vietnam War.  Afterward, he followed in his Father’s path in boat building, repair and maintenance, and opened Buddy Darden Boat Repair in Hilton Head. Buddy was well respected in the boating community for his excellent quality workmanship. Buddy was rough and gruff but had a huge, kind heart. He was charismatic, encouraging, an inspiration to many, and generous. He never met a stranger; he might not remember names, but he never forgot a face. And, he was fun-loving with twinkling eyes whenever he was up to something.

Buddy is survived by his wife, Dorothy; niece, Jennie Darden (Christopher); step-son, David Collins (Lynn); step-grandson, Chris Collins (Jennifer; children, Boyd and Nash); step-granddaughter, Colleen Standard (Tony; children, Victoria and Kaylee).  He is predeceased by his brother, Thomas Webster Darden; first wife, Jeanette; and step-son, Gene Collins.

Funeral services will be held at 6:00 pm, Monday, February 17, 2020 at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Rd., Bluffton, SC. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Buddy’s name to Caris Hospice or the cancer research facility of your choice.

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