Samuel Jackson (Buddy) Darwin II was born October 16, 1938. He was preceded in death by his parents Samuel Jackson Darwin, Sr., and Margaret McCollough Darwin, brother George William Darwin and Aunt Octovia Saunders Darwin.
Mr. Darwin was a lifelong farmer and owner of Pine Lawn Farm. He was a sixth generation farmer. He was founder and owner of Heart of Dixie Popcorn and Supply and Darwin Development. He believed in giving back to the community and agriculture and served on many Boards and Committee’s over the years. He devoted many years of his life serving the agriculture industry. He did this to ensure future generations would be able to continue to farm. He was president of the Madison County Farmers Federation (Alfa) from 1978 – 2000. He was chairman of the State Wheat to Feed Grains Committee for Alfa from 1981 – 2002. He also served on the State Board of Directors for Alfa. He served on the Board of Directors for the American Corn Growers Association. He served on the Board of Directors for the State of Alabama Foreign Trade Commission, the Board of Directors for the Madison County Farmers Market. He was one of the leaders of the American Agriculture movement back in the late 70’s and early 80’s and was one of thousands of farmers who drove a tractor to Washington ,D.C. in 1979 to protest low commodity prices. He also participated in the yearly Maple Hill Cemetery stroll for many years. He portrayed his uncle Sidney Sledge Darwin. He was a member of Central Presbyterian Church. Mr. Darwin’s hobbies included hiking, traveling, history, the Darwin family genealogy and he was an Auburn football fan.
Pallbearers will be Wesley Darwin Walls, James “Jim” Vann, Ianni Nicolaou, Ellis Waldon, Jamie Vann, Mark Vann, Danny McCullough, and John Tyler Darwin. Honorary pallbearers will be Donald Darwin, David Shores, Pluitt Dean, Davis Darwin, Jr., William “Bill” Darwin, Mike Darwin, G.L. Brewer, Raymond Cagle, James “Red” Patterson, Rex Vaughn, Homer Tate, Wayne Hovis, Thorson McCrary, Roger Jones, James McCullough, and Hugh Moffett.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Frances Lamb Darwin; son, Barton Jackson Darwin (Amber Bentley Darwin); daughter, Sammie Darwin Walls (Bentley Ray Walls); grandchildren: Wesley Darwin Walls (Nikki Malone Walls), Haley Walls Nicolaou (Ianni Nicolaou), Corrine Ashley Darwin, Kelsey Alyssa Darwin, and Chloe Abigail Darwin; great-granddaughter, Jaycee Grace Walls; and nephews: James “Jim” Vann, Mark Vann, and Steve Vann.
Visitation will be held Thursday, March 13th from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Berryhill Funeral Home. Chapel service will be Friday at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Randall Jenkins officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Hospice Family Care.
