Rev. Dr. Joe Darsey Durham

Rev. Durham was born on June 29, 1941, in Pickens, South Carolina, to the late Wyatt Ezra and Mary Darsey Durham. Rev. Durham was the pastor of Mount Bethel United Methodist and Porter’s Chapel United Methodist Church. He received joy by sharing his special sense of humor. Rev. Durham had a passion to share Jesus with everyone he came in contact with. He enjoyed doing mission work in the U.S. and foreign countries and was the President of Anderson Volunteers in Mission for the United Methodist Church for 10 years. Rev. Durham graduated from Pickens High School, Western Carolina, William and Mary, and Nova University. He lived his life to preach the gospel, love God, love his family, and serve those in need. Rev. Durham also enjoyed woodworking, reading, and working in his garden. Rev. Joe heard the words, “Well Done My Good and Faithful Servant”, when he finally met Jesus.

Rev. Durham is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Rev. Brenda Ward Durham; three children: Julia McManus (Phil), Kathryn Burriss, and Doug Knight (Tammy); three grandchildren: Kenan Geren, Kaleb Burriss, and Phoebe Burriss; and one brother: David Durham (Jackie).

In addition to his parents, Rev. Durham was preceded in death by his brother Jim Durham (Judy).

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, 126 Mt. Bethel Church Rd Sunset SC 29685, Porter’s Chapel United Methodist 151 E. Preston McDaniel Rd Pickens SC 29671, South Carolina Annual Conference 4908 Colonial Dr Columbia SC 29203.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM on Tuesday November 10, 2026, at Grace United Methodist Church.