Mr. Willie Darby, 68, known to family and friends as "SAMBO" of 1225 East Sprague Street passed away on March 23, 2007 at his residence. He was a native of Kingstree , SC born on December 23, 1938.

He was of the Baptist faith, was a veteran of the United States Army and was a retired employee of WS/FC Schools having worked at Cook Elementary School .

He was preceded in death by his father,

He leaves to cherish his memories, his mother, Mary G. Darby Purvis; his very devoted wife, Cora C. Darby of the home; his children, Valery (Billy) Grooms, Sonetta Adams, Jacqueline Lipscomb, Suevary M. Crawford, Annie B. Crawford, Pamela (John) Cohen, Shanya (George) Massey, Temika G. Page and Kimberly D. Frazier; two sisters, Lorretta Purvis and Patricia (Richard) Attucks; two brothers, the Reverend William (Karen) Purvis and Thurmond (Pallas) Purvis; two aunts; 21 grandchildren; one great grandchild; two god-sons, Turner Davis and Danny R. Settle; devoted friends, Larry Lewis, Joseph S. Cheeks, Ms. Carolyn Rucker and Mrs. Debra (Donnell) Wynn; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 29, 2007 at 1:00 PM from the Russell Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Donald Darby officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery . The family visitation will be held from 12 NOON until 1:00 PM on Thursday at the Chapel.