Dr. Rufus Chester Darden, Jr. departed his earthly home on Brindlee Mountain March 16, 2020, following a long illness. Born in Meridian, MS, September 2, 1932, he was the son of Rufus Chester Darden, Sr. and Annie Earle Hinson Darden.
He graduated high school in Laurel, MS and attended LSU. He received his undergraduate degree at Mississippi State University and completed his DMD at the University of Alabama. He was commissioned a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for two years, leaving active duty as a Captain.
Dr. Darden practiced dentistry in Huntsville, Alabama for more than 35 years. After his retirement, he was a volunteer with HEALS, providing dental care for the underprivileged.
He was an active member of the Alabama Dental Association and held the offices of Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President and President. He was also an active member and Deacon at Weatherly Heights Baptist Church. He loved working on his farm, golf and bowling.
Dr. Darden was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Ann Mayfield and Annette Gruber.
He married Nancy Moon Darden on February 23, 1960, who survives; along with his children, Rufus Chester Darden III (Susan), Bradley Neal Darden, Alyson Ann Williamson (Kip); and granddaughters, Kayla Ann Williamson, Abigail Hope Williamson and Shyanne Marie Putman.
Private services will be held.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the HEALS clinic at healsinc.org or Weatherly Heights Baptist Church
