Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Judson Drennan Obituary
FLORENCE — 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 at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2009, 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 S.C. 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. Anne's 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.
Visitation will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday at Layton Anderson Funeral Home in Timmonsville, S.C. A prayer service will follow. The Celebration of Life will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Anthony's Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society; McLeod Hospice; or St. Anne's Catholic Church, 113 S. Kemp Street in Florence.
>To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Judson Drennan
Teresa Braddock
March 17, 2010
Words cannot express my sadness for your loss Kathy. I can take comfort in knowing that Judd is doing the Angels work now, as he did here on earth.
I love you my friend, and will always be here for you.
God Bless you and your Family.
Teresa Braddock
March 17, 2010
My dear friend, there are no words to express my sympathy. I do take comfort that Judd is with our Heavenly Father and is doing Angels work. He was an Angel on earth and blessed everyone that ever knew him. I know his legacy continues in the afterlife as well.
Teresa Braddock
Crystal Bacote
October 29, 2009
Judd was a great person. I had the priviledge to work with him at UPS until he retired. We have indeed lost a well respected and honorable man. I am so sorry for your lost and hope you find comfort in knowing that he touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with.
linda carroll
April 4, 2009
Kathy and family,may god continue to keep you all in his loving arms,what a wonderful and fun to be around person,what fun we always had at the reunion's,kathy you're in my thoughts and prayers.
Stephanie & Pete (Richardson) Bain
March 29, 2009
Rob and Sharon and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of your brother's death, Rob; we reverence your pain and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you journey toward healing and peace. Keep those good memories living in his honor.
Amy Hulsey
March 28, 2009
Jud Drennan was without a doubt the best person I ever met in my entire life. I feel blessed and honored to have him as a friend. He touched the lives of my children, Renn & Caitlin Brooke in so many ways and I am extremely grateful for that. Barry and I will miss him so much; there are no words to explain. Recently he asked me "Do you think people will remember me when I'm gone?" and I said "How could anyone ever forget you!" I know so many of you feel the same way. Jud -- You will live in our hearts and minds forever. Thank you for being part of our lives. We Love You Always!
Jennfier Morris
March 28, 2009
You are im my thoughts & prayers. Judson, I'm sorry for your loss.
DAVID HOBBS
March 25, 2009
JANIS AND I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR BUBBLING ATTITUDE ON LIFE - LOVE YA MAN
Gene & Judy Moyer
March 25, 2009
Kathy & family, We send our love & condolences. It was so good to see 17 Fraternity Brothers From SC, GA, NC & AL at Jud's service, eventhough these were difficult circumstances for all of us & espcially for you, his parents, brothers & sister & Jud IV. We will continue to keep you all in our prayers. There will never be another Juddy, but Jud IV is so much like his Dad in looks & personality.
Jay Wilson
March 25, 2009
Mrs. Kathy,
I have to tell ya that I'm so glad that you guys moved next to my grandparents. Mr. Judd had a large influence in my childhood. He was one of the smartest people I grew up knowing. He taught me how to post up low down in a basketball game and how to make people laugh. Also, I'll never forget you guys allowing me to play ping pong and pinball during the summers. I just wanted to let you know that because of him and you son ("little jud") I own a ping pong table in my house and there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of your family because of that ping pong table. I look forward to see you guys soon and I'm sorry cannot be there.
Denise Lewis - UPS
March 25, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Judd always had a joke to make us laugh. There was never a dull moment with him in the room. Although he left UPS years ago, when we reminisce about 'old times' Judd is always part of the conversation. He will never be forgotten.
Bobby Hope
March 24, 2009
Kathy,
My heart goes out to you in your loss. Please know that it is our great loss also. Boy, could he light up a room. I'll always remember the wonderful smile and the bonecrushing handshake. I look forward to the day when we're all together again for our last class reunion and Juddy does the Gator. Please call on us for ANYTHING that you may need.
tommy ballard
March 24, 2009
Kathy and family. Tommy and I are both very sorry about Juddy. We missed ya'll last year at the class renuion. Take care. Paulette and Tommy Ballard, Rock Hill
Jerry Anderson
March 24, 2009
Kathy,
I have not seen Juddy since 1965. My memories are of our junior high and high school days. I can tell his outgoing nature never diminished. My prayers are with you.
Jane Bailey
March 24, 2009
Kathy, my love and prayers go out to you and the family. Wow!! if we could only see what Juddy sees now!! He's looking into the face of Jesus. He's sitting there telling him a story, or asking him if he knows how to do the "Gator" He trully set an example of how one should live. I cherished the way he always looked at you.. treated you.. and most of all the love he had for you.It was like the honeymoon was never over. now that's LOVE> We gain that love from God for he is LOVE. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten by all those whose life he touched. The class reunions will never be the same, but we will +always keep his memory in our hearts. I am always here for you when you need a friend to lean on. May God give you that peace that passes all understanding, and hold you in his arms.
Love always, Jane
Annie WilliamsR
March 24, 2009
Kathy & Family,
I just read Juddy's obituary and what a wonderful life he had and shared with his family and friends. I knew Juddy growing up in Rock Hill and you from Winthrop.
His death is a terrible loss and he will be missed. May God be with you and your family.
Marty Presler-Belk
March 23, 2009
Hi Kathy and family,
So sorry to hear about Juddy. He is in pain no more but whole again. I can see him dancing now as I remember him doing at each reunion.
May God bless you all and give you the comfort,strength and courage for the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Peace and Love,
Marty Presler Belk, Class of '65
Isle of Palms, SC
Jennifer Hinty
March 23, 2009
Kathy
I will miss Jud very much. I am so sorry for your loss. I will have something to remember him always and that would be the beautiful picture of a palm tree he water colored with a monkey falling out of a tree. I will miss him dearly. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love Jennifer Hinty
1st choice mortgage
Julie Starr
March 23, 2009
We will miss Jud at 1st Choice Mortgage. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please know that Jud is in a better place and is whole and healthy in Gods hands.
March 23, 2009
Kathy,
We are all saddened by the great loss of a great man. We will miss Judd - his kindness to all and his zest for life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Let any of know if we can do anything for you in the coming days. Much love.
Pamela Woods - 1st Choice Mortgage
Shannon Brossia
March 23, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about Jud. You both have been in my parayers. Please know that I am praying that God gives you strength at this time.
Shannon
1st Choice Mortgage
Greenville
March 23, 2009
To Kathleen, Judson, Jud and Pix, Robbie and Sally, I share your loss so deeply. In Jud's final year, we were able to spend a lot of time together, and you know Jud:.He was doing two crossword puzzles, kicking my butt in chess, telling his legendary repertoire of jokes and describing in dazzling detail some Clemson football game from long ago—all while battling the excruciating pain of his illness.There is a saying at a time like this: “Jud has gone to a better place.” I don’t doubt it.
There’s only one problem. He left us behind. He had to. And when we join him, we won’t have to ask to hear those jokes; we won’t have to ask if he has some new paintings to show us; we won’t have to test his memory of a Tigers game long forgotten, even by the players. The Lord will have him all ready to go. God Bless Judson Hood Drennan III, the best friend in my life.—Keith Love. Seattle.
Dianne Rice
March 23, 2009
Hello, I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Jud Drennan at UPS for some years. He was one of the most kind gentle men that I have ever known. When he left UPS I cried because I knew we were loosing one of the BEST. I will keep you and your family in my prayers Dianne Rice United Parcel Service
Jennie Horne
March 23, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about Judd. He was a fraternity brother of my brother, Jimmy Faulkner, and a groomsman in his wedding. Jimmy passed away 34 years ago March 20th and that was the last time that I saw Judd but I will always remember his smile and how much fun he was even though I was only 16 at the time. I would like to think that Judd and Jim are doing alot of catching up now. May God bless you and your family as you mourn his loss.
Angela and Richard Childers
March 23, 2009
Kathy,
I hope this poem gives you some comfort as it did me when my Mother passed. It's titled: "Miss Me, But Let Me Go"
When I come to the end of the road, and the sun has set for me...I want no rites in a gloom-filled room. Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little but not too long, and not with your head bowed low. Remember the love we once shared, miss me, but let me go.
For this journey we all must take, but I'll not be alone. It's all a part of the Masters' plan, a step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know, and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds, Miss me, but let me go! -Author Unknown
Richard and I love you dearly and are here for you in any way you need us for. You had the great priviledge of being a wonderful man's wife. Juddy will be missed but not forgotten! Our prayers and love are with you for life...
Your friends,
March 23, 2009
Kathy, I think Juddy knew how much we all cared for YOU & him. I am glad we had the opportunity to have our little "drop-in" for him last Christmas, he always brightened everyone's life that
he touched! "To live in the heart's of those we leave behind, is not to die" He
will live forever in our hearts and we WILL see him again! Knowing Juddy, he will probably be a "greeter" in Heaven. All our love, Linda & Eddie Graves, Class of 65, Rock Hill, S.C.
Vevelyn Bradley
March 23, 2009
Kathy, I am so sorry to hear about Jud, but please take comfort in knowing that he is in a place where there is no more pain and the other wonderful thing is knowing that he was a true man of God and he has his place in heaven and one day you shall be with him again. My sincere deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. In the days ahead Kathy remember to continue to look to the hills which comes your help knowing your help comes from the Lord. Love Vevelyn
Peggy Warmoth
March 23, 2009
Kathy,
Juddy has left you, your family and all of your friends with wonderful memories, but the best thing that he has left is that we will all see him again because of his faith in God. He will have a very special meeting with his Father.
Dan & Kim Lindley
March 23, 2009
Dearest Judd,
Thank you for touching our lives with your warm smile, sparkling eyes and incredible humor. I'm so very proud to call you FRIEND.
Katie, you & your family have been and still are in our prayers.
Together in His love,
Glenna Ruth Baker Ratliff
March 22, 2009
Kathy,
I am so sorry for your loss. I don't think I ever saw Juddy without a smile on his face. As beautiful as his smile was when we could see it, can you imagine how much more so when he saw Jesus? I know your consolation is that he is well now. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you and the rest of your family.
Rangeley Chewning
March 22, 2009
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your entire family.
Sherri Crosby
March 22, 2009
John and Sherri Crosby are very saddened to hear that you are gone Judd. We know that you are in the best place that you could ever be. You are no longer suffering. We love you!
Heaven is no longer a mystery for you...
John and Sherri Crosby (Florence,SC)
March 22, 2009
Kathy, Charlie and I are out of the country, but Frankie P let us know. We are so sorry, our hearts go out to you and the family.
Love, Charlie and Beckie Elkins
Kelley and Lars Reinhart
March 22, 2009
Katie,
We will miss Jud forever. He made our lives better and brighter. He had an enthusiasm and optimism that just made him glow. He truly lived the life he was given. His love for you had such depth and dedication. Our hearts go out to you, his son and grandchildren, his parents and the rest of the family. We love you forever and always.
Bill Wise
March 22, 2009
Though I had lost contact with Jud, it still comes as a shock to learn that a former friend passes away. Jud and I were classmates at Rock Hill High School and actually roomed together our 2nd semester at Clemson. Our lives went in different directions but our paths will cross again for those that believe.
Alan and Janeen Moody
March 22, 2009
Kathy and Jud,
We are so sorry for your loss. You have been through so much and it doesn't seem fair that your beloved Jud was taken so soon. He was an inspiration to all that witnessed his faith and spirit. He was a lovely man with a beautiful smile. May you catch his spirit in the everyday moments that remind you of him and may they make you laugh and smile with joy. Those are the moments you know he is right beside you.
Love,
Janeen and Alan Moody
Betty & Mike Meadows
March 22, 2009
Kathy, Jud will always be loved and remembered at 1st Choice Mortgage. Mike & I send our deepest condolences. I will always remember how Jud would brighten my day when I talked with him on the telephone. We all called him the "professor" because he knew ever bit of trivia, history and geography you could ever imagine! Be assured your darling is sitting next to Jesus and he is making Him laugh! We love you! Betty & Mike Meadows
Janell Carpenter
March 22, 2009
Juddy Drennan is one of my fondest memories of High School. His wit and smile and enthusiasm for life was and is an inspiration to everyone he met. I know he is in a better place and will not suffer anymore but it is a tremendous loss all of us left here on earth. My thoughts and prayers are with Juddy's whole family. God bless you all.
Roberta O'Steen
March 22, 2009
My dear friend, I was saddened to hear that you had to leave so soon. I met you many years ago as you helped me obtain my mortgage. What a time we had. What a hard worker you were to get the best for me. I will never forget our first meeting. I walked in and you said to me, " you should be wearing COBALT BLUE." That is your color. We became good friends from that day on. Oh, and I did take your advice and get some COBALT BLUE. You were the most caring person I had ever met. It was evident that you cared so much and put everything that you had into your job and your family. I remember you telling me all about your wife. You were so happy and full of life. Years later, you helped my son with his mortgage. I'm so sorry that I did not get to say goodbye. I had not seen you for several years but I never forgot you and your kindness. I pray that your family will find comfort knowing of your great love for them, and what a wonderful man you were. Goodbye for now my friend...You take care until I see you again....
Gloria Price
March 22, 2009
Kathy, No words could ever express my sadness for the passing of your beloved husband. I will always rembember his sweet smile and how he looked at you with eyes of I love you dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Allen Edwards
March 22, 2009
It will not be the same on the planet Earth without Judd's sense of humor, love, and wonderful smile. Kathy, Sue and I send you our deepest sympathy and love.
A brother in the Bond
Red
March 22, 2009
I am speechless---Kathy you and your family are with us in thought and prayer even more than before. You two will FOREVER hold a very very speical place in my life and in my heart- I love you Emmie & Wade
Vivian Chambers
March 22, 2009
Kathy, My thoughts and prayers are with you and family during this time. May God be with you.
March 22, 2009
Jud, Pix and family. Our hearts go out to you all along with
our prayers. Jud and Pix we love you both. But we know Jud,III is at rest with no more pain and suffering. God has
brought out that beautiful smile that he always had. God will
help you all through each day. Thanks be to God.
Toni and Jed Hermes Timmonsville, SC
Ted Moore
March 22, 2009
Kathy , Jud was a very funny and kind person. I enjoyed working with him at our days at Alltel. He made it possible to get past the bad days at work with his wit and charm. He had a great life and I know he will be missed. May God bless you.
Hugh & Joanne Wagner
March 22, 2009
Jud & Pixie: We do not lose the ones we love, they only go before where there is everlasting life, where sorrow is no more, and there the soul will always live,and peace is everywhere. We do not lose the ones we love, God takes them in His care.
Claire Evans Daniel
March 22, 2009
Kathy,
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 47 of 47 results
Make a Donation
in Judson Drennan's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Judson Drennan
How to support Judson's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Judson Drennan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
