Week of November 8, 2017
John E. Ward, age 75, passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2017. The family received friends from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, November 4th at Belk Funeral Home.
Born January 29, 1942, John is the son of the late William L. Ward, Jr. and Camilla Tobias Ward. John worked as a machinist for 34 years, and was known for his vineyard, Greensward Vineyard, where he grew muscadine grapes and blueberries. Mr. Ward helped establish the South Darlington County Fire District, and served as past director of the Florence Little Theater. He enjoyed travelling with the “Golden Readers” of the Florence Little Theater and reading at local venues.
Surviving are his wife, Martha Driggers Ward of Darlington; two daughters; four grandchildren; including Ryan Wilson Kilgo and Robby (Mary Deane) Kilgo, a great-grandson, Henry M. Kilgo; his brother, Cecil Ward of Darlington, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, William Andrew Ward, Margaret W. Bailey, and Racheal Ann Ward.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Florence Little Theatre, PO Box 4029, Florence, SC 29502-4029.
A guestbook is available online at www.belkfuneralhome.com.
Elaine Morse Edwards, age 69, passed away Monday, October 30, 2017 in Charleston, SC. A memorial service was held 3p.m. Friday, November 3rd in the chapel at Belk Funeral Home. The family received friends from 2-3 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Born December 21, 1947, Elaine is the daughter of the late Harry Morse and Lois Player Morse. She worked for ESAB, and then as a clerk for an extended care motel.
Surviving are her brothers, Donald (Carolyn) Morse of Raleigh, NC, Robert Morse of Seattle, WA, Wayne (Marie) Morse of Darlington, Chip (Lynn) Morse of Timmonsville, and Leonard (Beth) Morse of Darlington; her grandchildren, Amanda Yarborough, Arie Verstoep, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Guy Edwards; her daughter, Christi Verstoep; and her brother, Kenny Morse.
A guestbook is available online at www.belkfuneralhome.com.
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Ernest “Benny” Buck, age 76, passed away Saturday, November 4, 2017. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 8th in Florence National Cemetery. The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Belk Funeral Home.
Born October 23, 1941, Benny is the son of the late Otis Buck and Minnie Louise Anderson Buck. He served in the Army Reserves and retired after 31 years as a 1st sergeant. He owned and operated Buck’s Trim Shop in Darlington, where he held “court” in his shop with his friends. Mr. Buck loved spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren.
Surviving are his daughter, Yolanda (Curt) Austin of Easley; his son, Ernest “Ernie” B. (Rita) Buck, II of Darlington; his grandchildren, Jordan Elizabeth Austin, Summer Austin, Taylor Buck (Hunter) DeWitt, Ernest B. “Trae” Buck III, Andrew Tannor Buck; great-grandchildren, Machen Harris, Ada Austin, Lyla Austin, Avery Martin, and Ella DeWitt; his sisters, Rosalee (Boyd) Goude of Simpsonville, and Sandra Phifer of Lake Charles, LA; his special niece, Michelle Larrimore, and his special sister-in-law, Kathy Grooms.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen J. Buck; his grandson, PFC Barrett Lyle Austin; his brothers, Otis Lavell Buck, Lawrence Edward “Mickey” Buck, William “Billy” Buck, and his sister, Carolyn B. Hatfield.
Memorials may be made to the First Original Free Will Bible Baptist Church, 316 Orange St. Darlington, SC 29532.
A guestbook is available online at www.belkfuneralhome.com.
