In Memory

Juddy Drennan

Judson Hood Drennan III
FLORENCE, S.C. - Rock Hill, S.C. native and long-time Florence, S.C. resident Judson Hood Drennan III died early Saturday morning surrounded by his family at the McLeod Hospice House in Florence. He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Kathy Mugele Drennan. He was 62.
A funeral mass to celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday, March 24, at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Florence. Burial will be private.

Jud was a 1970 graduate of Clemson University and a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. A life-long athlete, he was a Rock Hill High School track star and played rugby and tennis for Clemson. From 2002 to 2005,he was the South Carolina state champion for his age division in the 1,500- and 5,000-meter race walk; in 2005 he won bronze and silver medals in those events at the national Senior Olympic Games in Pittsburgh.

Jud spent his entire professional career in service to others. He came to Florence in 1970 to become the city's recreation director. He later worked for UPS and 1st Choice Mortgage.

Jud had boundless energy, compassion and faith. He formed deep,meaningful relationships wherever he went. He was a loving husband, devoted father, respectful son and faithful friend. His talents were many: he was an artist and an athlete, a dancer and a gardener, a teacher and a disciple. He was a member of St. Annes Catholic Church
where he served as lector. For years he taught the conformation class at St. Anthony's, sharing Christ's love with dozens of children.

He was an Eagle Scout, an astronomer and a formidable chess opponent. He knew just how to tell a joke - and when. He nurtured his love of dinosaurs into adulthood. Foremost, he never forgot how to play or to see the world through a child's eyes.

Also surviving are his son, Judson Hood Drennan IV (Heather); his parents, Judson Hood Drennan Jr. and Jeannette Meldrum Drennan; a sister, Sally Drennan Preslar (Dennis); his brother, Robert Wingate Drennan (Sharon); and two grandchildren, Lucas Avery Drennan and Evelyn Lessene Drennan. He was preceded in death by a sister, Jennifer Hood Drennan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, McLeod Hospice or St. Anne's Catholic Church, 113 S. Kemp St., in Florence.



 
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05/05/09 11:45 AM #1    

Bobby Hope

What a void is left in our class with the loss of Juddy. As I think of Juddy, I remember the smile, the energy, the laughter, the jokes, the incredible memory, and his joy of life. Rest in Peace, my friend. See you on the other side.

05/06/09 09:37 PM #2    

Anna Duckworth (Zadra)

I had just looked at the photos of the reunion and was thinking what a nice guy Juddy was and then went to the Memorials and saw he has passed on. We were next to each other on the alphabetical list, so were often in line or seated next to each other. He was always a gentleman, always friendly, warm and caring. My sincere condolences to his family.

05/09/09 02:19 AM #3    

Jerry (Jeri) Estes (Alexander)

Goodbye my dear friend. I know our paths will cross again. You certainly are someone I will want to see at the end of the trail.

Our reunions will be the better because of you and the kind words that we will say about you when we gather as the RHHS Class of 1965.

Jeri Alexander

08/21/09 02:57 PM #4    

Ernie Nivens

Is there anyone who was not cheered up by Juddy's presence?? I so enjoy lifting my 1965 Annual and reading nis to to "Ernie Dog" signed from "Jud Dog"!! Our world has one less light in it!!

Ernie Nivens

11/28/09 04:02 PM #5    

Keith Love

Juddy was my best friend. Over the years, even though we lived 3,000 miles apart, we stayed close with visits, letters and emails. Sometimes we'd watch Clemson games on TV, Juddy on the phone in Florence and me on the phone in Seattle. Juddy had a photographic memory for Clemson football games going back years and years. He was a devoted husband and father, a talented painter, a creative landscaper, a Civil War expert, a Biblical scholar, and an awesome dancer with his beautiful wife Kathleen. Juddy had the kind of charisma you're born with. And nobody could tell a joke like Juddy. Once, on a cruise, he had people asking for his autograph after he got up and told some stories and jokes. They thought the cruise ship had hired him to entertain them! Most of all, Juddy was genuine--a loving, generous man who always put others first. He lives on in our hearts forever.

07/17/14 04:21 PM #6    

Bobby Hester

Juddy and I were Boy Scouts together almost until we graduated HS.  We went on many camping trips together at Mr. Mangum's river place, camporees at King's Mtn., and to camp Palmetto (now Camp Bob Hardin) up near Saluda, NC.  I can still remember laughing at him until I couln't breathe and my stomach muscles started to cramp.  He'd get me so tickled in class the teacher would ask what was going on.  I'd always take the heat because I couldn't throw Jud under the bus.  I don't think I've laughed that hard since.  Thanks, Juddy.


07/18/14 08:06 PM #7    

Norma Kimrey (Colwell)

I met him in band at RHHS.  His smile and school spirit continue to live in my memory and help me smile of past times with him!mand the many band celebrations!

 

Norma Kimrey Colwell


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