Obituaries
Posted on Tuesday, February 18, 2020
DARLINGTON – It is with a heavy heart that the family of Patrick Downes of Darlington announces his passing after a brief fight with cancer on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020.
Patrick was a native of Dublin, Ireland, who called America his home after serving in the USAF from 1965-69 at which time he became a U.S. citizen.
His zest for life and all things new provided a colorful canvas on which to apply his life’s story. Patrick spent more than 20 years in radio and television broadcasting in the Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania markets. He spent years pursing interests and adventures, and has collected friends from all corners of the globe.
Patrick can be described as the happiest man in the room and was often heard whistling or humming an upbeat tune. Time spent with him was always short lived and his friendship and kindness extended to friends, family and strangers alike. Patrick will be remembered as the happy Irishman, proud of his homeland and the Official Adopted Son of the South.
At the age of 74, Patrick will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Sandra, and her son, Josh (Amy), and his sons, Patrick (Dawn) Downes, Michael (Ecko) Downes; daughter, Kelly (JP) Abbott, and sister-in-law, Rita Downes.
Patrick leaves behind seven grandchildren: Patrick, Arianna, Jonathan, Sean, Evan, Charlotte Claire and Leah and the hounds of Medford Drive. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Downes, and widow, Ann Downes.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, in the chapel at Belk Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service at the home of John and Patricia McRae, 309 S. McCall St., Darlington, and other times at the home, 203 Medford Drive, Darlington.
A guestbook is available online at www.belkfuneralhome.com.
DARLINGTON — Dr. William “Bill” E. Altman, DDS, passed away Feb. 11, 2020. A celebration of his life was held at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church Friday, Feb. 14, 2020. The family received friends following the service at their home, 115 St. John’s St., Darlington.
Dr. Altman served as an officer in the Navy for eight years upon graduating from Clemson University and Emory University Dental School. After his service, he opened his practice in Surfside Beach and cared for his patients until his retirement in 2016.
He was a dedicated collector of the arts and preserver of historic properties. He acknowledged Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, loved his family and cherished his faithful companion, Sugar.
Dr. Altman is survived and dearly loved by his wife, Mary Jaillette Altman, a son, William Dane “Rusty” Altman, two daughters, Jenny McIver Altman, Bobbie Altman (Danny) Cox, grandchildren: Madison Elizabeth Altman, William James Harrison Altman, Jameson Dane Altman, Daniel Lee Cox Jr., Mary Prentiss Kelley Altman; and a special cousin, Gloria (Billie) Player.
A guestbook is available online at www.belkfuneralhome.com.
DARLINGTON – Barbara H. Rushforth Tadlock, 92, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020. Funeral services were Saturday, Feb. 15, at Temple Free Will Baptist Church with burial at Darlington Memory Gardens. The family received friends Friday at Belk Funeral Home, and other times at 604 Hidden Lane, Darlington.
Barbara was born in Boston on March 10, 1927. She was the daughter of the late Alvah Albertus Rushforth and Ethel Melissa Eager (William) Hultgren.
Barbara was a talented craftswoman and seamstress who enjoyed crocheting and working in her yards, as well as assisting her late husband’s plumbing business. She was a devoted Christian and a loving mother. Barbara was a member of Temple Free Will Baptist Church.
Surviving are her children, Barry (Van) Tadlock, Patty Tadlock, Crystal (Steve) Coker, Reese Tadlock, all of Darlington; 23 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews including a special niece, Phyllis Esty-Provenzano; sister-in-law, Jeanette Crimminger.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Alvin Tadlock; children, Lewis Dimarzio, William “Billy” Dimarzio, Della Odom, Jimmy Tadlock, Gwen Powers; grandchild, Jaime Tadlock; siblings, Alvah Alberta Rushforth Jr., Dorothy Mae R. Esty, Grace Arlene R. Williams, Edith Emma Rushforth and Ethel Lillian R. Casey; mother-in-law, Katherine Lillian Warren.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of McLeod Hospice, especially Brandie Owens, Butch Boan, Shameeka Washington, Chaplain Louis Gargiulo and her social worker, Bobbie Nutt.
Memorials may be made to Temple Free Will Baptist Church, 1660 N. Governor Williams Highway, Darlington, SC 29540.
A guestbook is available online at www.belkfuneralhome.com.
