William H. Darden

William Horace Darden The world lost a true gentleman on June 12, when William H. Darden slipped peacefully away at the age of 93 in Sarasota, FL. Beloved husband, son, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend, Bill remained a true Georgia Bulldog and avid sports fan throughout his life. He never mastered the perfect golf swing, but it was not for lack of effort. Burning Tree, Army-Navy Fairfax and Muirfield in Scotland were some of his favorite courses. He was kind and thoughtful and caring. He considered chocolate a vegetable, therefore, extremely healthy. He was fun and funny. He loved and was loved. His memory will be in the hearts of his family and friends forever. Bill served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters and returned to Athens, GA to study law after his service. Bill spent twenty years at the U.S. Senate, first as assistant to Senator Richard B. Russell of Georgia and then as the Chief of Staff of the Senate Armed Services Committee. In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed him to the United States Court of Military Appeals and, in 1971, President Richard M. Nixon appointed Bill as Chief Judge of the Court. He was Vice President of Government Affairs at Reynolds Metals and also at the Association of American Railroads. Bill is survived by his wife, Elena Schupp, and children: Sally Darden Collett and her husband, Bill in Peoria, AZ; Marty Darden of Sterling, VA; Wim Darden and his wife, Peggy, of Louisville, KY; and Dan Darden and his wife, Teresa, in Boulder, CO. Bill is also survived by three stepchildren: Pierce Harman of Cambridge, MA; Michael Harman and Juliet Keene of Albuquerque, NM; and Anne Mullin and her husband, Mark of California. Bill leaves grandchildren: Anne, John, Katie, Charlie, Macie, Richard and Thad. He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary Parrish Viccellio. The funeral will take place at a future date at Arlington National Cemetery. All friends and family will be notified. He will be sorely missed as an example of thoughtful civility and courtesy. Contributions may be sent to The Salvation Army 1400 Tenth Street, Sarasota, FL 34230.