Danny Ray Black, 77, of Barnwell met his savior on June 19 of 2026. He was a true patriotic American, born on the 4th of July to Leroy and Jewell Lyons Black. A proud graduate of Bamberg High School, (Class of ‘66) Danny enlisted in the US Army in 1967. He was promptly sent to Jump School and then the Mekong Delta. As a proud member of the 9th Infantry Division, 82nd Airborne Division, he served his country with honor. Danny often joked, “I was born and raised in Bamberg, but I grew up in Vietnam!” For his service, he was awarded: a Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Bronze Star among other awards and certifications. Upon returning home, he met and soon married the love of his life Valenda Dunn. After a few jobs and moves, they settled in Barnwell. Danny would begin work at SRS as a laborer and rose to Supervisor over Procedure Writers. During his over 25 years of service, he saved a coworker’s life using CPR and began to teach classes.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend, Danny enjoyed life. He was a man of kindness, a quick witted joke teller, an eagle eyed shark tooth finder, a great little league coach, a mean shag dancer, and a heck of a fisherman. They don’t begin to describe all he was. He could tie or untie any knot, sense changes in the weather, play a guitar, sing, and he led multiple church choirs during his lifetime. He was a Past Master at Barnwell Harmony Lodge 17 and Boy Scout Instructor.
Although the last several years of his life were complicated because of Parkinson’s disease, he never gave up or complained. He was a Christian who professed his faith through baptism and dutifully shared his love for Christ with others.
After peacefully dying at home, Danny leaves to cherish his memories: his wife of 55 years, Valenda Dunn Black; his children Susan Eichman Sandifer (Christopher) and D. Gavin Black, both of Barnwell; grandchildren Nicholas, Kathlyn (Katy), Abigail, and Brantley Eichman; many dear nieces, nephews, and cousins; his sister-in-laws Patty Dunn, Libby Dempsey, Sandra Johnson, and Sarah Black. “Poppie” loved and adored his family. Danny was predeceased by his parents, his brother Terry B. Black, and son-in-law E. Bryan Eichman.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 22nd from 6-8pm at Mole Funeral Home. Funeral services are Tuesday, June 23rd at 2pm at First Baptist Church in Barnwell. Graveside services will follow at Barnwell County Memorial Cemetery with full Masonic and Military Rites. The family would like to thank PCM and Agape Hospice for their dignified care. Pallbearers are Gary Brantley, Jordan Dempsey, Nicholas Eichman, Joshua Johnson, Wendell Lyons, Chuck McConnell, Jason Stafford, and Jimmy Tyner. Honorary Pallbearers are the members of the VVA Chapter #828 and the Barnwell County Leathernecks.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the VVA Salkehatchie Chapter #828, PO Box 84 Barnwell, SC 29812 or the Animal Advocates of Barnwell County, PO Box 1924 Barnwell, SC 29812.
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Previous Events
Visitation
22
Jun
9399 Patterson Street
Barnwell, SC 29812
Funeral Services
23
Jun
Barnwell, SC 29812
