WILLIAM “BILLY” STROTHER DARBY, JR.

Walhalla, SC– William Strother Darby, Jr., 74, husband of Deborah Senn Darby, of Walhalla, passed away surrounded by his family, on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Oconee Memorial Hospital.

 

A native of Walhalla, SC, Dr. Darby was the son of the late William Strother and Marian Elizabeth Darby. He graduated from Walhalla High School, where he excelled in sports. He played football, earning the honor of having his #14 jersey retired, held the state record for the long jump, played baseball, and basketball, and enjoyed competitive water skiing. Dr. Darby graduated from the University of Georgia in 1971, where he was defensive captain of the football team, was all-SEC, and was voted pre-season All-American. He received his doctorate from MUSC Medical School and returned home to serve his community in private practice at Oconee Medical Center for 40 years.

 

Dr. Darby was an avid bird hunter, having taken many hunting trips out west. Continuing his love for the sport he and Deb opened Whitetail Kennels, breeding German Wirehaired Pointers for thirty-five years. They also started the Palmetto Pointing Breed Club, which just celebrated its thirty-year anniversary. Billy trained many AKC and NSTRA field champions including his beloved Kate Darby (six-time NSTRA Champion) and Atz Darby (DC/AFC/MH).

 

He was known as Dr. Darby by many but as “Papa Billy” by his grandchildren, who cherished every moment with him on the farm. He was a member of Walhalla Presbyterian Church.

 

In addition to his wife, Dr. Darby is survived by his children: Willaim Derrill Darby (Katie Lynn) and Jana Darby Scroggins (Lee); and grandchildren: Darby, Caroline, and Andrew Scroggins, and Ella, Marian, and Smith Darby all of Greenville, SC.

 

In addition to his parents, Dr. Darby was preceded in death by his sister: Anne Darby.

 

The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 PM, Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at Davenport Funeral Home.

 

A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Davenport Funeral Home.

 

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the National German Wirehaired Pointer Rescue, www.nationalgwprescue.com.